The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing said that the G7 Countries have made commitments of $382 million US dollars to immediately avert the looming famine in Nigeria’s North East and to tackle its root causes.
Laing disclosed this on Thursday, July 9, 2021 as she expressed the concern about the humanitarian situation in Nigeria’s North-East and the G7 countries’ commitment to act immediately to avert further crises with $382 million US dollars.
“We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in the North East where 8.7 million people need assistance, and 1.9 million people have been displaced because of the conflict, with another 300,000 having fled to neighboring Countries.
“As a result of the conflict, we continue to see alarming rates of malnutrition and elevated risks of famine across parts of the North East.
“Through the G7, our countries have committed to act now to avert further crisis. This landmark commitment agreed in May by the G7 is critical to the needs and tackling the root cause of famine.
“This is not only about money, it is also about diplomatic actions, smarter financing and more effective approaches to crises.
“The G7 has agreed to urgently provide an initial $7 billion US dollars in humanitarian assistance. This includes $382 million US dollars desperately needed in Nigeria’s North East.
“In 2016, 2017, International engagements responded to food insecurity alerts and averted a famine in the North East. With conditions returning to similar levels today, we must act early with no regrets to save lives and tackle the drivers of acute food insecurity.
“We will continue to support Governments to address crises and tackle conflicts. This includes working in close partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria and the state Governors of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.
“As well as humanitarian and development partners to respond to urgent needs and find solutions to the crises in the North East,” Laing said.
