By Aidoghie Paulinus, abuja
The United States has committed an additional $5 million in humanitarian assistance for flood response efforts in Nigeria.
The US Embassy in Nigeria, in a statement issued in Abuja, said the amount was provided through the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
The US government further said that the humanitarian assistance is to support people affected by the unprecedented flooding in Nigeria.
“Today’s announcement builds on USAID’s initial support of $1 million in life-saving assistance provided after devastating floods.
“Unusually heavy rains and resulting flooding in mid-August affected more than 4.4 million people across the country. The floods displaced at least 2.4 million people, destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes, and damaged more than 1.6 million acres of farmland. More than 660 people lost their lives.
“With this new funding, USAID partners will reach more than 225,000 people in seven hard-hit states with critical aid, including emergency shelter, water and sanitation to protect against waterborne diseases, hygiene kits to promote practices safe and healthy, multi-purpose cash for families to buy what they need to get back on their feet, and other complementary assistance to promote economic recovery in communities affected by the devastating floods,” said the US Embassy in Nigeria.
The US Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria further said that in fiscal year 2022 alone, the US provided more than $406 million in multi-sectoral, life-saving assistance to people most affected by conflict and food insecurity.
Reacting to the development, US Ambassador to Nigeria Mary Beth Leonard said: “The United States will continue to support the people of Nigeria during this extremely difficult time and maintains a long history of providing humanitarian assistance throughout the country.”
