EU denies cutting funding to Nigeria
EU denies cutting funding to Nigeria
The European Union Delegation to Nigeria has dismissed claims by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, that international donors—including the EU—have significantly cut funding in response to Nigeria’s nutrition crisis.
In a statement issued on Monday by Modestus Chukwulaka, the EU Delegation’s Information Officer, the EU described MSF’s press release as “unsubstantiated and inaccurate.” The EU clarified that its humanitarian support to Nigeria, through the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), in the first half of 2025 has remained consistent with the level of assistance provided during the same period in 2024.
Chukwulaka stated, “In response to the press release issued on July 25 by MSF alleging ‘massive cuts’ by the EU and other international donors in tackling nutrition insecurity in Nigeria, the EU Delegation wishes to make clear that this claim is not backed by facts. The level of humanitarian aid provided by ECHO in Nigeria in the first half of 2025 is on par with that of 2024. As in previous years, efforts are ongoing to increase support through additional top-ups.”
He further emphasized that, as in 2024, a substantial portion of ECHO’s assistance in Nigeria remains focused on addressing emergencies related to nutrition, health, and food insecurity.
Chukwulaka added that, as in previous years, the EU is working to increase its funding through additional top-ups, with a significant share of the assistance targeting nutrition, health, and food emergencies.
“The EU Delegation takes note of the revised version of the press release published today by MSF, which eliminates the mention of the European Union when speaking of massive cuts by international donors.”
The EU also acknowledged the revised version of MSF’s press release, published the same day, which removed the EU’s mention in reference to funding cuts by international donors.
While acknowledging and commending the work of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)—some of which is funded by the EU to support malnourished children and mothers—the European Union has emphasized the need for accuracy in public statements on critical humanitarian issues.
“The EU greatly appreciates the efforts of MSF teams, which are partly supported by EU funding, in providing care to malnourished children and their mothers in Nigeria,” the statement read, noting that the EU Ambassador personally observed these efforts during his visit to Sokoto State on July 19–20.
The EU Delegation stressed the importance of sharing verified and accurate information, especially on issues that deeply affect the lives of Nigerians.
It further reaffirmed the EU’s ongoing commitment, stating, “The EU is maintaining its financial obligations and overall level of support as part of its partnership with Nigeria.”
