The International Rescue Committee (IRC) said humanitarian interventions in some disadvantaged Nigerian communities in 2024 have reached about 50 million dollars.

The IRC acting country director, Esther Agoriat, said this on Friday in Maiduguri at a meeting with the media, government officials and other stakeholders.

Ms Agoriat said IRC was planning to diversify its funding source in Nigeria in order to reach out to more people in rural communities who lack access to quality healthcare services, food and other basic needs.

According to Ms Agoriat, resources were well spent on multiple projects, which include women protection and environment, child protection and rule of law.

She said that the international body had identified policy measures that address women’s empowerment, health and legal security, which have started yielding results in various communities.

The acting country director also said that despite the huge resources invested in the protection of women, the environment, children and the rule of law, the areas remain seriously underfunded.

“In just one year, we have spent between 40 and 50 million dollars in Nigeria. And of course, right now we are having a challenge, the funding has gone down, that is something we are working to improve on.

“We are trying to diversify our fundraising so that we cannot rely on one donor because much of that funding we had last year was actually coming from one funding source,” she said.

In her review, the IRC senior protection manager, Zara Geidam, highlighted the organisation’s achievements in the areas of health, education, economic well-being, protection and environment.

Ms Zara said the IRC’s projects had greatly impacted many families, particularly in areas of reducing risks, meeting urgent protection needs, and supporting recovery and resilience in rural communities where most commoners lack access to legal aid and required medical attention.

According to her, women, children and other at-risk groups affected by conflict, displacement and flood shocks were their main target population.

“The strategy also provides them (commoners) access to justice and rights, strengthening legal and institutional mechanisms that protect human rights and support survivors.

“Community-based protections also build local capacities and empower communities to identify risks, mitigate harms and support resilience,” she said.

Ms Zara said that the IRC also partners with government ministries, agencies and departments at all levels in order to strengthen coordination for the sustainability of the services.

She said that so far, the IRC’s projects in Borno had provided access to at least 1,591 women and girls in the area of Gender Based Violence (GBV) services through case management and safe spaces.

Ms Zara said 3,728 children were reached with child protection services, while 1,320 individuals received protection services, including access to justice.

“Over 50 community-based productions are strengthened in protection services,” Ms Zara said.

(NAN)