Canada pledges $18m aid to reduce poverty, tackles Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis

Canada has announced a new commitment of $18 million to support humanitarian and development efforts in Nigeria, where millions of people are facing food insecurity, displacement, and violence. The announcement was made by the Minister of International Development, Karina Gould, during a virtual visit to the country on November 1.

According to a press release from Global Affairs Canada, the funding will help provide life-saving assistance to more than 10.6 million people in need of humanitarian aid in Nigeria, especially in the conflict-affected states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe. The aid will also support longer-term development initiatives to reduce poverty, improve health and education outcomes, and empower women and girls.

“Nigeria is facing a complex humanitarian crisis that requires urgent action from the international community. Canada is proud to stand with the Nigerian people and our partners to help address the immediate and underlying causes of this crisis,” said Gould.

The press release stated that Canada’s humanitarian assistance will help deliver food, nutrition, health care, water, sanitation, hygiene, protection, and education services to the most vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and host communities. Canada will also support efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, which has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canada’s aid has made a significant impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians who have benefited from improved health care, education, food security, and protection.

For example, Canada has helped provide emergency food assistance to over 1.8 million people; supported the immunization of more than 8.7 million children against polio; enabled more than 1.2 million children to access quality education; and empowered more than 300,000 women and girls with sexual and reproductive health services and information.

In addition, Canada’s development assistance will focus on improving the quality and access to basic education for children and youth, especially girls, who face multiple barriers to learning. Canada will also support initiatives to improve maternal, newborn, and child health, as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Furthermore, Canada will help strengthen the resilience and livelihoods of poor and marginalized communities, especially women and youth, by promoting inclusive economic growth and social protection.

Canada is a leading donor to Nigeria, having provided more than $274 million in humanitarian and development assistance since 2014. Canada is also a strong advocate for peace and stability in the region and supports regional and multilateral efforts to address the root causes of the crisis.

Canada’s aid in Nigeria is making a difference in the lives of millions of people who are facing a complex and protracted humanitarian crisis. However, the needs remain immense and the situation is fragile. According to the UN, more than 10.6 million people in Nigeria require humanitarian assistance in 2021, and 4.4 million people are facing acute food insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the humanitarian situation and increased the risk of disease outbreaks.

Canada remains committed to supporting the humanitarian response in Nigeria and advocating for the respect of international humanitarian law and human rights. Canada also supports efforts to address the root causes of the crisis and promote long-term development and peace in Nigeria.

Some of the achievements of Canada’s aid in Nigeria include:

Providing protection services to more than 1.2 million people, including psychosocial support, legal assistance, and gender-based violence prevention and response. Supporting health interventions that reached more than 3.7 million people, including immunization, maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health, and COVID-19 prevention and response.

Improving food security and nutrition for more than 2.8 million people, including emergency food assistance, cash transfers, livelihood support, and treatment of acute malnutrition. Enhancing access to quality education for more than 1.1 million children and youth, including formal and non-formal education, learning materials, teacher training, and safe learning spaces.