The UK government has pledged £ 32 million support to Nigeria over the next three years to help deliver humanitarian assistance and protections to victims of the crisis in the north-eastern part of the country.

The UK minister for international development, Nick Hurd, said the British government’s gesture would help provide relief for over seven million people facing increased humanitarian devastation as a result of the conflict in the region.

“The UK is committed to continuing to help Nigeria to provide humanitarian assistance and protection for people affected by the conflict in north eastern Nigeria,” Mr. Hurd said.

Welcoming Nigeria’s efforts to support the affected population, the envoy said the UK government was looking forwards to the continued collaboration with all partners to strengthen the effort to reach the most vulnerable people in difficult areas.

He said the funds, which would be channelled through the United Nations, UN, the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, and other humanitarian organisations, would be used to provide support for critical life-saving assistance.

Apart from support for nutrition, food security, water and sanitation as well as protection of civilians affected by the conflict, the minister said technical expertise would also be made available to the Nigerian government to support the humanitarian response to the crisis.

Noting the enormous and growing humanitarian needs in north-east, Mr. Hurd said the situation required a sustained, large-scale government-led response to meet people’s basic needs and to help them rebuild their lives once security conditions allow them to return home.

The minister said the new funding is in addition to more than £8.2 million provided by the UK since 2014 to help respond to the life-saving humanitarian needs of people affected by the conflict though violence, displacement, and loss of livelihoods.

In addition, the Minister announced a substantial increase of £16.7 million to boost Nigeria’s solar energy programme.

“The additional funding is in support of a UK-sponsored Solar Nigeria Programme for which £37.1 million has already been approved since 2013 to promote access to household energy in Nigeria.”