6 August 2026 — Thousands of conflict-affected families in northeast and northwest Nigeria will continue receiving life-saving support through the end of 2026 following a new funding top-up from the European Union (EU) to the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
The additional EU contribution builds on a two-year grant already supporting humanitarian operations in Nigeria, bringing the European Union's total investment in the project to €3.4 million. The new funding will extend the project by an additional six months, allowing critical assistance to continue until December 2026.
"The humanitarian needs across Borno, Zamfara and Sokoto States remain significant, particularly for communities affected by displacement and insecurity," said Babatunde Ojei, IRC Country Director in Nigeria. "This additional support from the European Union comes at a crucial time. It enables us to extend life-saving assistance to vulnerable families while continuing to strengthen local systems and community resilience. At a time when humanitarian needs remain high and funding is under pressure, sustained donor support for Nigeria is more important than ever."
Implemented by the IRC together with local partners, Life Helpers Initiative (LHI) and CHAD International, the project has supported vulnerable internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities affected by conflict, displacement, and insecurity across some of Nigeria's hardest-to-reach areas. During the six-month extension, implementation will continue in partnership with LHI.
Since its launch, the programme has improved access to essential health, nutrition, education, protection, and water, sanitation and hygiene services, helping vulnerable families meet urgent needs while strengthening access to critical public services.
Working closely with local authorities, community leaders and frontline service providers, the project has also focused on strengthening local systems and capacities to ensure sustainable impact beyond the life of the programme. Local partner organisations have played a central role in reaching underserved communities and ensuring that assistance reflects local priorities and needs.
Despite these efforts, humanitarian needs continue to outpace available resources. At the midpoint of 2026, Nigeria's Humanitarian Response Plan is only 45 per cent funded, with approximately USD 284 million received. Current funding targets the 2.5 million people considered most urgently in need, while an estimated 5.9 million people across the country require humanitarian assistance.
As humanitarian needs persist, the IRC calls on EU decision-makers and the wider international community to maintain their commitment to Nigeria's humanitarian response and help close the funding gap so that vulnerable families can continue to access the assistance they need.
The International Rescue Committee partners with the European Union to provide life-saving support to people caught in conflict and disasters around the world. Our work funded by the EU enables people to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.
