United Nations has said $1.1 billion would be needed in 2022 to undertake humanitarian assistance in the troubled North-East of Nigeria.

The United Nations, which revealed that an estimated 8.4 million people will require humanitarian assistance in North-East Nigeria in the course of the year, lamented that the total number of those displaced in the 12-year crisis in the geopolitical zone had risen to over 2.2 million.

Speaking on Wednesday during the launch of the Nigeria Humanitarian Response Plan 2022, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim for Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, lamented that the conflict in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States has evolved into an alarming humanitarian and protection crisis, disproportionately affecting women and girls.

He said, “Over 2.2 million people are displaced due to the persistent conflict and face daily threats to their health, food security and safety.”

At the 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan for North-East Nigeria, which was launched on Thursday, were speeches read by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, the governors of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States, United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, and other prominent stakeholders.

Schmale said US$1.1 billion is needed to provide critical aid and services to 5.5 million people who are most affected by the crisis.

He said, “For many women, men, boys and girls, the profound impact of conflict in north-east Nigeria continues to be felt painfully.

“Although we have last year seen some hopeful developments, many people have still started out 2022 in survival mode.”

“While insecurity is persistent in many areas, there are also some locations of relative peace and stability in the north-east that we must look to for opportunities of long-term or durable solutions.”

Schmale, while disclosing that $700 million was realised from the targeted $1 billion, said should the $1.1 billion target for this year not be met, then the humanitarian assistance would be further trimmed down on top priorities that will include food, shelter and protection of the vulnerable, especially women and children.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq stated the need for the target to be met, raising concerns over the increase in the affordability of basic items and challenges with food security.

“Millions of people struggle to have their basic needs met, and the fluctuating food prices have further destabilised the already alarming food security situation. Thousands of children are at risk of becoming severely malnourished, especially during the lean season, which will have a detrimental effect on their future development,” she said.