The Government of Switzerland has pledged to support flood victims across Nigeria with N1.9 billion.
The Federal Government of Germany also announced an additional release of €24 million to Nigeria and other countries in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions impacted by the recent flooding.
The Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Nicolas Lang, who announced his country’s donation in Abuja, said it would be channeled through the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund managed by the United Nations (UN).
The ambassador explained that the contribution would complement the efforts of the Federal Government to respond to flood crisis.
He said: “This contribution to the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund will come in direct support to the government’s efforts to provide immediate life-saving assistance. Providing such humanitarian support has been a key pillar of our close and longstanding relationship with Nigeria. We are also exploring ways to potentially assist efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness.
“With its ability to swiftly disburse funds and select the most relevant partners, including local organisations, I am confident that the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund will be an effective vehicle to provide immediate relief to the thousands of affected people in dire need of humanitarian assistance”.
The latest support brings to €100 million (N185 billion) the amount Germany has committed so far this year to humanitarian assistance in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin region.
The statement reads: “With this considerable assistance, Germany stands by Nigeria and other African countries’ side in these times of need. Helping people in need and maintaining dignified living conditions is an inherent part of Germany’s foreign policy values.
“Floods across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin region, including Nigeria, have caused a major humanitarian crisis in the past weeks. The Federal Government of Germany has been active in the region for many years and stands firmly alongside affected people and communities in need. Therefore, it is taking up its responsibility as one of the largest humanitarian donors.
“Since the flooding meets an already ongoing food and nutrition crisis and destroyed thousands of hectares of cropland, tackling food insecurity is one of the priorities of the flood response.
“In Nigeria’s northeastern BAY (Borno, Adamawa, Yobe) states alone, five million people are currently facing critical food insecurity on a daily basis…”
