EU Commits €557m in Humanitarian Support to Nigeria, Other African States
Story: written by Zara January 22,2026
The European Union has announced a €557 million humanitarian aid package for Nigeria and several other African countries, forming part of its wider €1.9 billion humanitarian budget earmarked for 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS confirmed that part of the funding will be channelled to Nigeria’s north-west region, an area grappling with persistent insecurity and growing humanitarian needs.
The pledge was unveiled by Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Lahbib noted that global humanitarian systems are facing immense pressure, warning that government funding alone is no longer sufficient to meet rising demands. She reaffirmed the EU’s position as the world’s leading humanitarian donor, stressing that Europe is stepping up to shoulder its share of responsibility.
“Europe is acting by committing an initial €1.9 billion for 2026,” she said. “As the largest humanitarian donor globally, we are taking political responsibility and leading the international response. My presence in Davos is to encourage the private sector to scale up, move faster and work collectively.”
She described the initiative as a demonstration of global solidarity, adding that Europe is responding decisively to humanitarian challenges.
Support for North Africa and emergency relief
Beyond sub-Saharan Africa, the EU has allocated €14.6 million to address political, social and economic pressures across North Africa. In addition, more than €415 million has been set aside to respond to sudden humanitarian emergencies worldwide and to sustain critical supply chains for aid delivery.
At the Davos forum, Lahbib is also expected to engage private investors and promote innovative financing models to complement public funds and ensure assistance reaches vulnerable populations efficiently.
