The European Union has refuted claims made in a 25 July press release by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which alleged that the EU, along with other international donors, had made significant cuts to humanitarian aid addressing nutrition insecurity in Nigeria. According to the EU Delegation in Nigeria, these claims are inaccurate. The EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) has maintained its funding levels in Nigeria for the first half of 2025, consistent with the same period in 2024. Moreover, the EU is working to increase this support through additional funding, as it has done in previous years.
A substantial portion of ECHO’s humanitarian assistance in Nigeria continues to focus on nutrition, health, and emergency food support. The EU Delegation noted that MSF has since revised its press release, removing the reference to the EU in connection with the alleged funding cuts. The EU acknowledged MSF’s important work, including efforts supported by EU funding, to assist malnourished children and mothers in Nigeria. This work was observed firsthand by the EU Ambassador during his recent visit to Sokoto State on 19–20 July.
Emphasizing the need for accurate and verified public communication, the EU Delegation reiterated the importance of mobilizing more domestic and international resources to address Nigeria’s growing nutritional crisis, especially in the North-West and North-East regions. The EU reaffirmed its ongoing financial commitments and steady support for Nigeria through its broader partnership framework.