The joint mission in Borno concluded with strong commitments from the European Union (EU), Germany, France, UN agencies, and partners after a joint field assessment in Borno State, northeast Nigeria. The mission focused on evaluating humanitarian needs, protection challenges, and recovery gaps following years of conflict and displacement.
Leaders from the EU, German and French diplomatic missions joined senior UN officials, including those from UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, WFP, and IOM, to visit communities affected by insurgency, flooding, and persistent hardship. They met with displaced persons, returnees, and local authorities to gain firsthand insights into ongoing needs.
The delegation toured camps and host communities where families continue to rebuild their lives after conflict-related disruptions. Mission members heard how access to clean water, education, healthcare, and livelihood support remains limited for many vulnerable households.
During the mission, partners emphasised that despite progress in stabilisation, humanitarian needs remain high and require sustained support from international actors and the Government of Nigeria. They highlighted the importance of protecting children, women, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) from ongoing risks.
Representatives said the visit helped inform coordinated planning and resource allocation to ensure aid reaches those most in need. They reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up assistance in areas such as health, nutrition, education, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
Mission members also took note of the resilience shown by affected communities and the efforts of local leaders to restore basic services. They praised community-led initiatives that promote social cohesion and encourage displaced families to participate in recovery programmes.
Furthermore, partners called for strengthened collaboration between federal and state authorities and humanitarian agencies. They said joint efforts would better align response plans with local priorities and enhance impact on the ground.
Child protection emerged as a major concern, with representatives underscoring the need to expand psychosocial support, reduce children’s exposure to violence, and promote access to quality education for displaced and host-community children.
The mission’s conclusions also highlighted gaps in livelihood opportunities for young people and women. Partners stressed economic recovery programmes that create jobs and sustainable incomes as essential to reducing dependency on aid.
On nutrition, the group underscored high rates of acute malnutrition among children under five and pregnant or lactating women. Mission leaders pledged to intensify nutrition screening and treatment services to prevent long-term health consequences.
Representatives from the EU, Germany, and France said their governments will continue supporting programmes that promote resilience and protect human dignity. They reaffirmed financial commitments and urged other donors to join in scaling up assistance.
The delegation’s engagements culminated in a joint statement reaffirming shared priorities: protecting vulnerable populations, expanding basic services, and promoting durable solutions for displaced families in Borno State.
Overall, the joint mission in Borno highlighted the complex humanitarian landscape while spotlighting solidarity among international partners and local actors committed to sustained recovery and development.
About The Author
