UNICEF funding shortfall threatens life-saving aid across Nigeria, with a \$160m gap risking health, water, and education services for millions

UNICEF funding shortfall is pushing Nigeria toward a worsening humanitarian emergency, as a $160 million deficit jeopardizes crucial services for millions of vulnerable people.

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The United Nations Children’s Fund revealed the scale of the crisis during the 2025 World Humanitarian Day event in Maiduguri, where it warned that health, nutrition, education, and water projects are at risk due to the staggering 67% funding shortfall.

Francis Butichi, Chief of UNICEF’s Maiduguri Field Office, said the agency has only received $95 million out of the $255 million needed this year.

He highlighted the compounding effects of conflict, climate change, and disease outbreaks, particularly in Nigeria’s North-East region.

“The impact is profoundly crushing at the local level,” Butichi said, calling the situation “devastating.”

Despite the funding crunch, UNICEF reported impactful results this year — over 1.3 million people accessed health services, 340,000 children were treated for severe malnutrition, and 500,000 displaced children were enrolled in schools. Safe water was also provided to 185,000 people.

Some northern states have taken proactive steps to mitigate the crisis. Gombe, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Jigawa states are reacting differently to the funding gap, reflecting varied levels of preparedness.

In Gombe, Director-General of Press Affairs Ismaila Misilli said the state anticipated the challenge early, with budget allocations for healthcare, education, and vulnerable populations.

In Kebbi, Chief Press Secretary Ahmed Idris said the government had fully paid its counterpart funding, emphasizing, “Even if UNICEF faces funding constraints, this administration will not relax.”

Sokoto State also reaffirmed its commitment, with Governor Ahmed Aliyu approving N500 million in support of UNICEF’s programmes.

However, Jigawa State painted a bleaker picture. A senior official noted that the funding shortfall could severely disrupt health and water services, which are already strained by recurrent floods and displacement.

“Many vulnerable residents depend on these services,” the official stressed. “The urgency for collective action cannot be overstated.”

Butichi urged the private sector, local governments, and civil society to step up efforts, emphasizing that life-saving services must not be interrupted.

“UNICEF calls on all of us to get involved — through donations, volunteering, or advocacy. The needs are many.”

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As Nigeria braces for what could become a full-blown humanitarian emergency, coordinated efforts are urgently required to bridge the funding gap and avoid further tragedy.