The European Union has announced a €1.5 million humanitarian aid package aimed at supporting victims of the conflict in Yelwata, Benue State, as well as other internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Nigeria.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, made the announcement during a joint press briefing with officials from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Describing Nigeria as a strategic partner, Mignot emphasized the EU’s ongoing commitment to development and emergency response efforts in the country.
“We want to remain a dependable partner one that fulfills its promises and stands with Nigeria during moments of crisis,” Mignot said. “This €1.5 million support is directed at immediate humanitarian needs in Benue through our humanitarian arm, ECHO.”
Beyond short-term relief, the EU envoy revealed that an additional €1 million has been allocated under the Support for Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria project, which has now been expanded to cover Benue State. The funding will go toward longer-term support including shelter, livelihood restoration, and community reintegration for affected persons.
According to Mignot, while the EU remains committed to playing its part, the scale of displacement and humanitarian need in Nigeria demands increased domestic action.
“It’s no longer feasible to rely solely on external aid. Nigerian institutions public and private must work together to prevent critical shortfalls and ensure sustainable recovery,” he said, calling for broad-based support across government tiers and sectors.
The EU Ambassador also visited displaced families at the Makurdi IDP camp, engaging directly with those affected by the crisis.
In his response, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, expressed gratitude to the EU for its consistent support. He assured that the funds would be used responsibly to help restore livelihoods and rebuild communities impacted by violence and displacement.
“The EU’s contribution, alongside those from our other partners, will help us bring relief and a sense of normalcy to thousands of displaced Nigerians,” Yilwatda stated.
Plans are also underway for Nigeria to establish an Anticipatory Response Fund aimed at ensuring quicker mobilization during future humanitarian emergencies.
