Yobe Governor: US Funding Cut Impacted 250,000 Residents

The government of Yobe State has revealed that approximately 250,000 individuals have suffered as a consequence of the US Executive stop-work order implemented by former President Donald Trump in 2025.

This announcement was made by Dr Muhammad Goje, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), during a monitored breakfast program.

Dr. Goje highlighted that for over a decade, the United States has emerged as the principal and most regular contributor to humanitarian initiatives in the BAY states of Northeast Nigeria, which include Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe. US funding has been critical in providing essential food aid, nutrition, healthcare, protective services, and support to those displaced.

He pointed out that the halt in US funding has immediately impacted more than 250,000 residents in Yobe. This new funding model has compelled humanitarian organizations to either merge their efforts, vie for scarce resources, or withdraw from the region altogether.

Among the 250,000 individuals affected are around 13,000 children who are out of school, along with internally displaced persons (IDPs), survivors in need of gender-based violence (GBV) protection, and recipients of health services and job assistance.

“In the year 2024, the Nigeria Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) required $926.5 million to aid 4.4 million individuals, but only around $556 million was received, with the US contributing about $316 million, equaling nearly 57% of the overall funding, thus making it the largest donor,” he stated.

In terms of food security, Dr. Goje noted that as a result of the US funding suspension, over 650 metric tons of food monthly provided by the World Food Programme (WFP) will be discontinued starting February 2026, affecting about 65,000 households who rely on this food assistance.

He further disclosed that throughout the Northeast, approximately 2,508 humanitarian workers have been laid off due to the funding cuts, impacting many families who depended on their employment.

The state government is reportedly taking actions to mitigate the funding deficiency that has arisen from the withdrawal of international aid.