Red Cross Seeks $69.3 Million for Humanitarian, Crisis Response in Nigeria
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Nigerian Red Cross yesterday disclosed that it was facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in West Africa, with Nigeria being on the brink of extreme hunger, violent conflicts, and devastating health outbreaks, which is currently threatening the lives of millions.
The Nigerian Red Cross therefore said it was urgently seeking $69.3 million to save lives and alleviate the suffering of millions of Nigerians facing unprecedented humanitarian challenges.
In a statement in Abuja, the organisation stated that 31.2 million people are projected to experience food insecurity from June to August 2024, including 1 million in an emergency phase, according to the March 2024 Cadre Harmonisé analysis.
Vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities, it said, are particularly affected.
“This is the highest number of people in a hunger crisis in West Africa. Increased violence, banditry, and economic challenges have displaced millions, leading to acute hunger and malnutrition.
“Health crises like malaria, and outbreaks of diphtheria, meningitis, Lassa fever, and cholera overwhelm health services and endangers populations. Additionally, significant flooding is predicted in 2024.
“The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), with partners, launched the Nigerian Red Cross 2024 Plan on May 14, 2024 to respond to these needs.
“The plan details the strategy to address urgent needs such as the hunger crisis, diphtheria outbreak and other health emergencies, displacement, and flooding. It targets 11.5 million people,” the body added.
It said the focus of the plan was not just on the Northeast but also on the Northwest, North Central, and Southern parts of the country.
It added that it also aims to tackle long-term issues, including but not limited to food and livelihood security, health, climate adaptation, humanitarian access, disaster risk reduction, capacity development, disaster management, and youth engagement.
“With ongoing crises affecting the most vulnerable and projected floods, now is the time to act and save lives. The Nigerian Red Cross supports hard-to-reach communities and vulnerable populations alongside the government’s efforts. Every contribution counts in our fight to save lives and stop the suffering of millions of Nigerians,” the statement quoted Abubakar Kende, Secretary General of the NRCS, to have stated at the launch.
Speaking on the capacity to respond, Benson Agbro, the NRCS Director of Disaster Management said: “The Nigerian Red Cross can address these increased humanitarian needs and support communities to build resilience and end these cycles of crisis. We reach the most vulnerable communities who need help the most to survive.”
Bhupinder Tomar, Head of Delegation for IFRC Abuja Delegation, expressed deep concern about the escalating food security and nutrition crisis and displacement in the northeast and northwest states.
“The rising needs are not matched with available resources. By coming together and pooling resources, we can save lives and provide relief to families worst hit by these crises,” he said.
The NRCS is a key first responder in emergencies. In 2023, it addressed food insecurity and displacement while continuing its response to the massive 2022 floods and a new operation for the diphtheria outbreak. Reaching over 27 million Nigerians with vital aid.
“The NRCS’s approach supports vulnerable communities in better preparing for, responding to, and recovering from crises and disasters. The 2024 Plan includes strategic steps to address urgent needs and long-term community wellbeing and resilience by reaching the last mile.”
