The International Federation of Red Cross has initiated an emergency appeal to raise CHF 27 million (approximately N23 billion) to aid the Nigerian Red Cross Society in addressing the severe hunger crisis in Nigeria. This appeal aims to provide support to 1,092,300 individuals affected by the crisis.
Bhupinder Tomar, the head of the delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, made this announcement during a media chat held in Abuja. He noted that Nigeria is currently facing an unparalleled hunger crisis this year and commended President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency on food insecurity in the country.
Tomar explained that the appeal’s goal is to mobilize CHF 27 million to support efforts to alleviate the hunger crisis. The aid will be distributed in various forms, including cash assistance, food and nutrition, as well as water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
The President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Oluyemisi Adeaga, highlighted the growing number of people experiencing food insecurity as a significant threat to the country’s peace and stability. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the food needs of Nigerian citizens and emphasized that addressing hunger is not just a matter of dignity but also a pressing national security concern.
Adeaga called on individuals and organizations to join the Nigerian Red Cross Society’s efforts to provide relief to some of the most vulnerable members of society who are currently facing the hardship of not knowing where their next meal will come from.