This significant funding supported millions of people displaced by Boko Haram terrorists, with essential humanitarian aid, including shelter, food, non-food items, and protection.
Former United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, revealed that the United Nations raised and spent $1.5billion (approximately N2.489 trillion) in North East Nigeria during his two-year tenure. This significant funding supported millions of people displaced by Boko Haram terrorists, with essential humanitarian aid, including shelter, food, non-food items, and protection.
Schmale, who is currently UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, emphasised the importance of collaboration among Lake Chad countries to overcome the insurgency, which affects the entire region.
Speaking in a published interview, on the sidelines of the “Summit on Food Security – Grain from Ukraine”, organised by the Government of Ukraine in Kyiv, Ukraine, the UN Envoy, who served in Nigeria between 2022 and 2023, praised the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians, despite facing numerous challenges, including poverty and the Boko Haram insurgency.
The UN had previously launched a humanitarian response plan for North East Nigeria, seeking $1 billion to support 6.4 million vulnerable people in 2021. Tl
The plan aimed to provide critical services, including food, shelter, healthcare, and protection, to those affected by the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.
However, sharing his experience in Nigeria, the UN envoy said, “I have the fondest memories of my time in Nigeria. Despite the many challenges the country faces such as more than 130 million citizens facing multidimensional poverty and the longstanding Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, I was deeply impressed by the enormous entrepreneurial energy and commitment of Nigeria’s citizens to overcome these significant obstacles and to improve their lives.
“I learnt a lot in my two years in Naija – including from the leaders I met in government and across all walks of life – and will forever be deeply grateful.”
He added, “During my regular field missions to the North East, it was evident that the civilian population continued to pay a very high price as a result of the violence inflicted by Boko Haram.
“At the same time, I have huge respect for the state authorities, the UN and the many NGOs involved in addressing and overcoming the humanitarian challenges to the best of collective abilities.”
“If my memory serves me correctly, we raised and spent at least, $1.5 billion (N2,489,668,128,317.25 trillion) during my two years as Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria. Millions of people were reached with essential humanitarian aid and support across various dimensions, including shelter, food, non food items and protection.”
On how to tackle the challenges the insurgency in Lake Chad poses, he said, “It is evident that the insurgency affects all Lake Chad countries and that working together is a must to overcome it.
“The UN continues to work at both country and regional levels with all Lake Chad countries to enable a more dignified life for all people living in the Lake Chad countries”.
