Switzerland commits $756,000 to assist flood victims in Nigeria

Switzerland is committing 750,000 Swiss francs (approximately $756,000) to support the humanitarian response to the devastating floods in Nigeria.

The flood disaster in Nigeria has impacted more than three million people across 34 states, claiming at least 600 lives and displacing over 1.5 million people.

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Switzerland, in a statement on Wednesday, said its intervention is in response to a recent emergency appeal by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

“Through this contribution, the IFRC and the Nigerian Red Cross Society will complement the efforts of the Nigerian government to respond to the crisis.

“Flood-affected people in 18 states will be provided with multi-sectoral assistance to meet their immediate basic needs. This will include temporary shelter, rebuilding of houses, delivery of multipurpose cash assistance, as well as health, water and sanitation measures to prevent a further spread of the ongoing cholera outbreak,” the statement said.

The Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Nicolas Lang, while expressing his satisfaction that Switzerland is able to support Nigeria and its people to overcome the crisis, he said: “This contribution to the IFRC’s emergency flood appeal is fully in line with Switzerland’s longstanding and sustained collaboration with Nigeria, including on providing humanitarian assistance to crisis-affected populations.”

“With its wide network of volunteers throughout the country and close collaboration with the government agencies coordinating the response, I am confident that the IFRC and the Nigerian Red Cross Society will provide an effective and locally-led response to the immediate needs of thousands of Nigerians whose lives have been tragically impacted by the floods,” said Ambassador Lang.