Borno State, Nigeria, 13 December 2024 —  The International Rescue Committee (IRC), with support from the European Union (EU), recently completed a humanitarian project that provided life-saving assistance to more than 33,000 people in Borno State, Nigeria. This included 20,000 women and 13,000 men who were struggling with the severe challenges posed by ongoing conflict and displacement.

Since 2014, Nigeria has endured attacks from one of the world’s deadliest armed opposition groups, which has killed thousands, abducted countless women and children, and displaced more than 2.5 million people. Many Nigerians who initially fled to neighboring Chad, Cameroon, and Niger have been forced to return due to worsening conditions in those countries. Meanwhile, over 2 million people remain internally displaced, living in camps on the outskirts of towns in Borno State, where they face violence, poverty, and relentless insecurity.

This project aimed to ease these hardships by providing essential services like healthcare, nutrition, education, clean water, sanitation, and protection. It also addressed complex challenges such as camp closures and the reintegration of displaced people into host communities.

To support children affected by displacement, the initiative included education programs to ensure they could continue learning despite the disruptions in their lives. 

Ummi, aged 13, returns home after finishing her tutoring hour with the IRC, funded by the European Union programme. She says that her first experiences of school were difficult. ‘I did not understand. And when I asked, children would laugh at me in class.’ But since then, she has been proud to be 6th in her class, out of 50 pupils. She aspires to be a doctor, and her teacher, impressed by her desire to read, gives her particular encouragement through tutoring.
Ummi, aged 13, returns home after finishing her tutoring hour with the IRC. She says that her first experiences of school were difficult. ‘I did not understand. And when I asked, children would laugh at me in class.’ But since then, she has been proud to be the 6th best pupil in her class out of 50. She aspires to be a doctor, and her teacher, impressed by her desire to read, is particularly encouraging.
Through the support of the EU, the IRC has provided a transitional pathway to formal education for internally displaced children, like Ummi, focusing on basic literacy and numeracy skills and developing the social and emotional skills required to integrate and succeed in the formal classroom.
Photo: Marvellous Samsom for IRC

By prioritizing the most vulnerable—women, girls, and boys—the project delivered critical aid while safeguarding those most at risk.

Babatunde Ojei, Country Director of IRC Nigeria, said:

“This project has been a big step toward bringing life-saving help to communities in Borno State. Thanks to support from the European Union, we’ve improved access to healthcare, education, and protection for people in need, especially after the challenges of camp closures and displacement. The continued backing of the EU is essential to sustaining our efforts. Despite facing extreme conditions, I have seen our staff demonstrate strong dedication to leaving no one behind. They address a wide range of needs, ensuring that every individual—regardless of their circumstances—receives the support necessary not only to survive the crisis but also to build a stronger future.

We are especially proud of the impact of our Mama Kits for pregnant women. These kits provided the essential supplies needed for safe deliveries, helping more women give birth in health facilities and reducing risks to their lives. By giving these kits directly instead of cash, we made sure every mother received what she needed for a safe delivery, avoiding the risk of the money being used for other family needs. Every safe birth is a great moment of hope for a family and the community around them, and an opportunity to protect and celebrate the strength of women.”

The project has left a lasting impact on the communities of Borno State, providing not only immediate relief but also laying the groundwork for sustained recovery and future resilience. 

About our work with the European Union

The International Rescue Committee partners with the European Union to provide life-saving support to people caught in conflict and disasters around the world. Our work funded by the EU enables people to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.