TheCable

Members of the G7 countries have pledged to donate $382 million to address humanitarian crisis in the north-east.

This was disclosed at a media briefing on the ‘G7 Famine Prevention Compact Launch’, which held in Abuja on Thursday.

The G7, which means ‘Group of Seven’, comprises the world’s seven largest economies — countries in the group are the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.

Reading the G7 joint statement, Catriona Laing, British high commissioner to Nigeria, said the countries have committed to strengthening crisis preparedness and response by providing $7 billion in aid to 42 countries at risk of famine, out of which Nigeria will get $382 million.

Laing, who said the G7 is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in the north-east, noted that the commitment will ensure strengthened diplomatic action.

“We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in the north-east. 8.7 million people need assistance; 1.9 million people have been displaced because of the conflict, and because of this, we are seeing alarming rates of malnutrition and elevated risk of famine,” Laing said.

“So, we have come together as the G7 with a commitment to address the immediate crisis, but also to tackle the root causes of the famine. Money is clearly important, but it is not the only issue. It is also about diplomatic action, smarter financing and much more focus on the root causes of the conflict

“But on the money, the G7 has agreed to provide an initial $7 billion in humanitarian assistance for the various crises around the world, and that includes $382 million for the crisis in north-east Nigeria.”

Sadiya Umar Farouq, minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development, appreciated the G7 for their support.

The minster, who was represented by Umar Bindir, national coordinator, National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), said the ministry will work closely with the G7 to see that the purpose of reducing humanitarian crisis in the north-east is achieved.

“We will partner with you very closely as an arm of government. We are already working very very closely with all the governors in the north-east, and indeed,  all the governors in Nigeria,” he said.

“We have the mandate to ensure we coordinate all the humanitarian activities in Nigeria, to ensure that resources are effectively used, minimise wastages so that we can measure impact bigger.

“On behalf of the government, this is fantastic and I want to congratulate the cooperating countries, through your excellencies. But just like Oliver Twist, we would come back to say that $400 million is good but probably another $500 million dollars will do better.”

Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank country director for Nigeria, said the bank would support and work through the government on the implementation of the programme with other international development partners.