Matthias Schmale, the United Nations (UN) resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, announced that the UN provided assistance to 3.6 million vulnerable individuals in the northeastern region during the first half of 2023. This disclosure was made during an event organized by the Africa Centre for Development Journalism (ACDJ) in Lagos.
Key Points:
- Support in Northeastern Nigeria:
- Schmale highlighted the substantial assistance provided by the UN in the northeastern region, emphasizing that the area requires focused attention for both development and humanitarian efforts. He acknowledged that despite criticisms, the data underscores the importance of prioritizing the northeast.
- Scale-Up Efforts:
- Schmale stressed the need to expand and intensify humanitarian initiatives, particularly in the north-eastern states. He acknowledged that while the UN is already engaged in commendable work across Nigeria, there is a necessity to increase investment, particularly in the north-east.
- Journalistic Role in Accountability:
- Rotimi Sankore, Executive Director of ACDJ, emphasized the critical role of journalists in utilizing data to hold the government accountable. He urged journalists not to allow politicians to evade responsibility for issues related to negligence, especially in cases where legislative bodies fail to address pertinent data.
- Food Insecurity and Assistance:
- Schmale acknowledged the widespread food insecurity faced by many individuals in Nigeria. The UN’s humanitarian efforts are essential in addressing this issue and providing necessary assistance to vulnerable populations.
Conclusion: Matthias Schmale’s announcement regarding the UN’s support for 3.6 million vulnerable individuals in northeastern Nigeria during the first half of 2023 underscores the significant humanitarian efforts in the region. The call for intensified focus and investment in the north-east highlights the ongoing commitment to addressing critical challenges in Nigeria. Additionally, the emphasis on data-driven journalism serves as a crucial tool in ensuring government accountability.
