By Abu-Faisal Haroun
France has pledged a €6.9 million aid package to provide life-saving assistance to two million people facing malnutrition and food insecurity in the North East of Nigeria.
Emmanuelle Blatmann, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, announced the package during her visit to the Muna IDP Camp clinic in Borno State.
The funds will be used to address severe acute malnutrition and food shortages in the region through the World Food Programme.
Ambassador Blatmann stressed the importance of the aid package in providing relief to the most vulnerable populations in the area. This contribution is a significant step towards addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the North East of Nigeria, where millions have been displaced.
The Ambassador expressed concern for malnourished children during her visit to the Muna IDP Camp clinic in Borno State. She reiterated France’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region and providing life-saving assistance to those in need.
In addition to the €6.9 million aid package, Ambassador Blatmann revealed that France had financed 28 projects worth €21 million in the region over the last three years, reaching over one million people and addressing various needs such as food security and health.
Ambassador Blatmann stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing the multiple drivers of the conflict in the region, including hunger, insecurity, and climate change. She pledged France’s continued investment in the area to improve the lives of vulnerable people.
The Ambassador also highlighted an initiative by France, the World Food Programme, and other partners to mitigate the impact of the crisis in Ukraine on access to food for vulnerable and displaced people in Borno State. This initiative showcases France’s commitment to working with international partners to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Blatmann o has refuted claims of donor fatigue and decreasing humanitarian assistance by announcing their increased contributions to Nigeria.
“We often hear about donor fatigue and humanitarian assistance going down, so I am here to prove that for France, it is the opposite,” she said.
She said France had already front-loaded three million euros to the World Food Programme to address hunger and malnutrition in the region.
“This contribution showcases France’s commitment to helping the affected population and collaborating with the government and UN agencies. The funding will support those in need and demonstrate solidarity with the region.
According to David Stevenson, the WFP Country Director, the organisation will aid 2.1 million people under the humanitarian response plan.
“The plan focuses on children, providing food supplements to the mothers of malnourished children and helping nursing mothers learn nutrition techniques,” he said.
Stevenson emphasised the WFP’s dedication to meeting the needs of conflict victims in the North East. The collaboration between France, the WFP, and other partners is crucial in tackling the region’s humanitarian crisis and giving life-saving support to those affected.
Bay States News 