Crisis Alert: UNICEF Sounds the Alarm — N240 Billion Needed to Save Lives in Nigeria
The clock is ticking. The gap is real. And the stakes couldn’t be higher. Nigeria’s children, families, and communities are counting on urgent action. Because when the money runs out, so do the chances of survival for millions.
By: Oluwaseun Lawal
It’s a ticking time bomb. UNICEF has just raised a red flag. Nigeria is staring down the barrel of a serious humanitarian crisis. Why? Because there’s a massive funding gap. A huge one. N240 billion. That’s the shortfall threatening vital health, nutrition, education, and water projects across the country.
The warning came straight from Maiduguri on Monday. Francis Butichi, UNICEF’s Chief at the Maiduguri Field Office, spoke during the 2025 World Humanitarian Day event. He didn’t sugarcoat it. Out of the $255 million needed for this year’s operations, UNICEF has only received $95 million. That leaves a yawning $160 million gap. Sixty-seven percent shortfall. That’s huge.
“We all know about the global funding cuts hitting humanitarian efforts worldwide,” Butichi said. “But the real pain? It’s felt here, on the ground. Where conflict, climate change, and disease outbreaks keep hitting communities again and again.”
The North-East is already struggling. Floods have displaced thousands. Services in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps are shrinking. People are suffering. And the money to help? It’s just not enough.
Butichi made a heartfelt plea. “UNICEF calls on everyone — governments, private sector, donors, even individuals — to step up. Donate, volunteer, advocate. The needs are many, and the time is now.”
Despite the funding crunch, UNICEF has managed to reach over 1.3 million people with health services. They’ve treated 340,000 children suffering from severe malnutrition. Provided safe water to 185,000 people. And enrolled half a million displaced children in schools. That’s no small feat. But it’s not enough.
The call for help is urgent. Butichi urged governments and donors to channel more support to local authorities and civil society groups. These are the frontline warriors delivering life-saving nutrition, immunisation, health, and protection services to communities battered by conflict and floods.
“Stopping these services now would be catastrophic,” he warned.
Northern States Brace for the Storm
The looming crisis isn’t just UNICEF’s problem. Northern state governments are feeling the heat too. They’re scrambling to soften the blow.
In Gombe, Ismaila Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs at the Government House, told The PUNCH that the state had already seen this coming. “Before the US cutbacks on USAID and other agencies, Gombe had made budget plans to support vulnerable people,” he said. “We set aside funds for healthcare, education, human capital development, and out-of-school children. So, we’re not caught off guard.”
Kebbi State is also standing firm. Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said the state has paid its counterpart funding for UNICEF projects and won’t back down. “UNICEF’s money problems? That’s not our headache. We’ve done our part. We’ll keep supporting these programs no matter what.”
Sokoto is on the same page. A top official revealed that Governor Ahmed Aliyu recently approved N500 million as counterpart funding for UNICEF’s work in health, education, and humanitarian aid. Extra funds have also been set aside to keep services running smoothly.
But not all states are so confident.
In Jigawa, officials admit the funding gap could hit hard. Critical health services like nutrition, immunisation, and clean water access are at risk. A senior health ministry official said the state is ramping up vaccination drives, malnutrition treatment, and water supply through partnerships with civil society and volunteers.
“Many vulnerable people depend on these services,” the official said. “Especially now, with floods and displacement caused by climate change and security challenges. We need everyone to come together — government, donors, communities — to keep these lifelines open.”
The clock is ticking. The gap is real. And the stakes couldn’t be higher. Nigeria’s children, families, and communities are counting on urgent action. Because when the money runs out, so do the chances of survival for millions.
