The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has announced the allocation of an additional $668,000 to support emergency flood relief operations across Nigeria, where widespread flooding has displaced hundreds of thousands and left entire communities struggling.
The funding, released through IOM’s Rapid Response Fund (RRF), will be directed toward local partners providing vital services in the most severely affected states: Jigawa, Katsina, and Bauchi.
In a statement released on Thursday, IOM emphasized that the funding would bolster efforts by the Relief Rescue Initiative, Safer World Foundation, and the Community Engagement and Social Development Initiative in their relief activities.
These organizations are actively working to address the urgent needs of flood victims, providing emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation, and essential relief items.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance whose generous contributions to the RRF make this response possible,” said Paola Pace, IOM Nigeria’s Chief of Mission ad interim.
“Their support is vital in enabling IOM and local partners to provide life-saving assistance and to help communities rebuild and recover from the catastrophic impacts of the floods.”
This fresh funding comes on the heels of an earlier $1.8 million allocation in October, bringing the total IOM contribution to over $2.4 million in 2024 for flood response activities in Nigeria.
The 2024 rainy season has been particularly devastating, affecting over 1.3 million people in 34 Nigerian states, causing at least 320 fatalities and destroying an estimated 258,000 hectares of farmland.
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In some areas, floodwaters have displaced over 740,000 people, forcing them to seek refuge in temporary shelters.
The new intervention will also provide multi-purpose cash assistance to more than 228,000 people, helping them cover essential needs such as food and medicine. In addition, IOM’s assistance will support the rebuilding of livelihoods and enhance community resilience against future disasters.
“We remain committed to working collaboratively with local authorities, governmental agencies, and other humanitarian actors to ensure a coordinated, effective response,” IOM added.
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