The European Union has dismissed claims that it significantly reduced its humanitarian assistance to Nigeria amid a worsening nutrition crisis, calling such assertions “unsubstantiated and inaccurate.”
In a statement issued Monday and sent to Chatnewstv.com, the EU Delegation to Nigeria responded to a July 25 press release by Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders, MSF), which alleged “massive cuts” in aid by international donors, including the EU. The EU said its humanitarian support in the first half of 2025 matched the levels provided during the same period in 2024, particularly through the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).
“The level of EU humanitarian support granted by ECHO in Nigeria in the first half of 2025 has in fact been similar to the one provided in the first half of 2024,” the delegation stated.
“As in previous years, we are working to increase this amount with additional top-ups.”
The EU added that nutrition, health, and food emergency assistance remain key priorities in its ongoing support for Nigeria.
MSF has since revised its statement, removing the EU from the list of international donors it accused of slashing funds. The EU acknowledged the update and praised MSF’s frontline work in aiding malnourished children and their mothers—efforts partly funded by EU resources.
“We commend the work performed by MSF teams, as recently witnessed by the EU Ambassador during his visit to Sokoto State on July 19-20,” the statement read.
Still, the EU emphasized the need for accurate public communication regarding humanitarian efforts.
“It is crucial that information shared on this critical issue is verified and accurate. Miscommunication risks undermining collective efforts to respond to a dire situation for millions of Nigerians,” the EU warned.
At a July 22 joint press conference alongside Nigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the EU Ambassador called for increased financial commitments from both domestic and international partners to combat severe nutrition insecurity, especially in the country’s conflict-ridden north.
“The EU is keeping its financial commitments and maintaining its overall support to Nigeria,” the Delegation affirmed.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
