By Joy Odor
The European Union Delegation in Nigeria has refuted recent claims by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) alleging “massive cuts” in international funding, particularly by the EU towards nutrition-related humanitarian efforts in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by Modestus CHUKWULAKA, Press and Information Officer,
EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS following a 25 July press release by MSF, the EU described the allegation as “unsubstantiated and inaccurate,” affirming that its humanitarian funding through the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) for the first half of 2025 remains on par with 2024 levels.
“The level of EU humanitarian support granted by ECHO in Nigeria in the first half of 2025 has in fact been similar to that provided in the first half of 2024. “As done in previous years, the EU is working to increase the amount with additional top-ups” the Delegation stated.
The EU emphasised that its humanitarian assistance continues to focus significantly on nutrition, health, and emergency food support, particularly in crisis-prone regions like the North-West and North-East.
The EU Delegation acknowledged MSF’s revised version of its press release, which removed mention of the EU in the context of alleged funding reductions.
While reaffirming support for MSF’s critical interventions some of which are funded by the EU the statement called for accurate and fact-based communication on humanitarian issues.
During a recent visit to Sokoto State from 19–20 July, the EU Ambassador observed firsthand the impact of EU-funded MSF activities in treating malnourished children and supporting maternal health.
Speaking during a joint press conference with Nigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction on 22 July, the Ambassador urged both domestic and international actors to scale up their contributions to address Nigeria’s worsening nutrition emergency.
Reiterating its commitment, the EU stated: “The EU is keeping its financial commitments and its general level of support across the board in the framework of its partnership with Nigeria.”
The EU called for intensified collaboration among humanitarian partners to ensure a sustainable and robust response to the country’s ongoing nutrition crisis.
