Nigeria receives $247.3 million in humanitarian funding for 2026, covering 47% of its needs
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Nigeria has secured $247.3 million in humanitarian funding for 2026, as reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. This amount fulfills 47 percent of the country's $516.4 million humanitarian requirement, making it the second-highest coverage rate among eight surveyed countries in West and Central Africa. The majority of this funding, $232.8 million, was channeled through Nigeria's Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan. The United States and the European Commission's humanitarian arm, ECHO, are the primary contributors to the broader West and Central Africa region, providing $929.6 million and $321.3 million respectively by June 22. Other significant donors include Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Switzerland. The Nigeria Humanitarian Fund, a country-specific pooled fund, received $17.2 million. Funding for Nigeria's Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan steadily increased from $173.6 million in March to $232.8 million by June 22, representing a 34 percent rise in three months. Despite this progress, a funding gap of $274.8 million remains for Nigeria's 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan. The 2026 funding rebound follows a significant shortfall in 2025, when only $321.5 million was raised against a $910.2 million requirement. Food Security remains the most underfunded cluster in the region, despite having the largest requirement. The Refugees cluster, addressing Nigeria's displacement crisis, has attracted $281.5 million.
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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen caused a near stampede in Ojota, Lagos, as videos of his visit spread online, attracting a large crowd of fans. Supporters surrounded his car, preventing it from moving, and Osimhen had to exit his Lamborghini to calm them. The scenes highlighted the strong support Nigerians have for the footballer. Osimhen, 27, is currently the subject of transfer speculation, with several European clubs reportedly interested. Galatasaray, his current club, has stated they have no intention of selling him this summer and has set a minimum asking price of €150m, having rejected a €120m offer from an unnamed club. Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek confirmed the club would only sanction a sale if their valuation is met and Osimhen wishes to leave.
The seventh edition of the Tour D'Afrique, a cross-border cycling expedition, has concluded successfully in Lagos, Nigeria. A 30-person contingent, including 20 professional cyclists, completed a 1,110km journey across four West African countries: Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana. The seven-day ride, themed "Ride Against Climate Change," saw its final stage cover 145km from Cotonou, Benin Republic, to Lagos. The returning group was welcomed by Lagos State's incoming Deputy Governor, Princess Damilola Sonayan James. Participants highlighted Benin Republic for its public support and police escort. The organizing committee acknowledged the physical demands on the 20 professionals who completed the ride. The tour received support from Pocari Sweat, ibis Styles Hotels, and the ECOWAS Commission, and was an initiative of FT Cycle Care in partnership with the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and the Velo NG Community.
Nigeria's 1998 FIFA World Cup record for the lowest-ranked nation to advance from the group stage in the modern FIFA ranking era has been maintained, despite Cape Verde's recent performance. Cape Verde, ranked 64th, reached the Round of 32 in their first World Cup appearance, securing three draws in Group H against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. This made them the third-lowest ranked nation to reach the knockout rounds since FIFA introduced its ranking system in 1994. However, Nigeria, ranked 74th in the 1998 World Cup, not only qualified from their group but topped Group D, defeating Spain 3-2 and finishing ahead of Paraguay and Bulgaria. Nigeria's ranking at the time was influenced by a two-year suspension from the Confederation of African Football. In other World Cup news, the Round of 32 begins with South Africa playing Canada at SoFi Stadium. South Africa, the first South African side to reach the knockout rounds of a World Cup, finished second in Group A with four points. Canada also finished second with four points in their group. The winner of this match will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the Round of 16.