UNICEF Urges Nigerians to Donate as US Funding Cut Creates $160m Humanitarian Gap

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised alarm over a massive funding shortfall following the recent cut of funding by the United States government. The organisation is now urging Nigerians to support local humanitarian efforts through donations, volunteering, and advocacy.

Speaking in Maiduguri on Monday during the commemoration of the 2025 World Humanitarian Day, UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Francis Butich, revealed that humanitarian needs in Nigeria’s North East are growing rapidly. He noted that several communities are still battling floods and reduced services in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

According to him, UNICEF requires $255 million for humanitarian operations in 2025, but only $95 million has been received, leaving a funding gap of $160 million (67 per cent).

“We are all aware of the global funding cut that has threatened humanitarian operations across the world. The impact is profoundly crushing at the local level, where conflict, climate change and disease outbreaks are recurrent,” Butich said.

He added,“Of the US$255 million needed for humanitarian operations in 2025, UNICEF received US$95 million, leaving a US$160 million gap (67 per cent) and a critical shortfall across sectors.”

Butich further urged Nigerians and stakeholders to play their part in bridging the gap.

“UNICEF calls on all of us to get involved in local humanitarian efforts, whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy. The needs are many, communities are affected by floods, diminished services in IDP camps, to name but a few,” he said.

Despite the financial shortfall, UNICEF disclosed that it has been able to reach over 1.3 million people with health services and treated 340,000 children for severe malnutrition through multi-sectoral interventions in the North East. The agency also provided safe water for 185,000 people and enrolled 500,000 displaced children in education.

The UNICEF Chief also appealed to international donors, the private sector, and government agencies to channel more resources into humanitarian interventions.

“UNICEF calls on donors, the private sector and the state and federal government to increase funding to LGAs and CSOs that support life-saving nutrition, immunisation, health and protection services for conflict, flood and displaced communities in north east Nigeria,” Butich stated.

He further encouraged Nigerians to spread awareness about humanitarian challenges.

“UNICEF calls on all to share this information about the importance of humanitarian work and challenges faced by those on the frontlines. Use social media, blogs, or community events to share information about the importance of humanitarian work and challenges faced by those in need,” he said.