News
EU Supports IDPs In Five Nigerian States With 15m Euros
EU Supports IDPs In Five Nigerian States With 15m Euros
By: Michael Mike
The European Union (EU) has provided €15 million to support for the needs of internally displaced persons and deliver protection assistance and durable solutions in Yobe, Adamawa, Kano, Sokoto and Benue States.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot announced this in Abuja at the launch of the EU Support for Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) in Yobe, Adamawa, Benue and Kano States (SIDPIN) and the EU Support for Protection, Assistance and Durable Solutions in Sokoto (SPADS).
Mignot disclosed that the two interventions, which worth a 15 million euros, reflect the European Union’s deep commitment to advancing human dignity, resilience, and sustainable development for displaced persons and the communities that host them.
He said: “Together with the Federal and State authorities, our partners including the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and Danish Refugee Council (DRC) will spearhead this initiative by focusing on local integration in urban and urbanising areas, adopting a multi-scale, integrated, and area-based territorial approach.
“The overall objective of these actions is to strengthen durable solutions through local integration, with a specific focus on women and children.
“We aim to improve the living conditions of displaced populations and host communities in Adamawa, Yobe, Benue, Kano, and Sokoto States through sustainable local urban integration approaches that are replicable and scalable.”
He also noted that displacement in Nigeria particularly in the northeast, north central and northwest has affected over 3.5 million people.
The envoy pointed out that these individuals are not just statistics, but “lives interrupted, dreams deferred, families torn from their homes and futures.”
He added that: “Many of these IDPs want to return home to the place they were forced to leave.
“But some cannot do so in a foreseeable future, especially, because security conditions do not allow it.
“Others have made the choice to remain where they were resettled and this is a respectable personal choice.
He said that the European Union believes that the response must go beyond emergency aid.
Mignot said: “We must look at the root causes of displacement, and just as importantly, at the pathways to sustainable solutions.
“Our two projects will not only address immediate challenges but also contribute to laying the foundation for long-term stability, urban resilience, and peaceful coexistence outcomes that benefit everyone.
“This is why these projects focus on integration in urban and urbanising areas to support those staying in town.
“We recognise the leadership of the Government of Nigeria, both at the federal and state levels, in making these projects possible.
“They were developed through a consultative process involving MDAs, state governments, IDPs, and host communities to make sure that they align with the needs and priorities of our Nigerian partners.
“At the heart of our vision is the principle of local ownership and leadership. True progress happens when communities are empowered, when governments take the lead, and when development is rooted in participation, inclusion, and equity.”
Mignot, therefore, commended the implementing partners such as IOM, UNHCR, UN-Habitat, and the Danish Refugee Council for their expertise, dedication, and shared vision of a better future for displaced persons.
He expressed optimism that the launch of SIDPIN and SPADS would mark the beginning of a new chapter in “how we respond to displacement not only in Nigeria, but also as a model for the region.”
“Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind, and that every displaced person has the opportunity not just to survive, but to rebuild his/her own life, to meaningfully contribute to communities, and become self-reliant,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, thanked the EU and all the implementing partners for their unwavering support.
He pledged the state government support and cooperation to the implementation of the projects.
On his part, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall,
noted that the EU Support for Internally Displaced Persons in Yobe, Adamawa, Benue, and Kano States (SIDPIN), and the EU Support for Protection, Assistance and Durable Solutions in Sokoto State (SPADS) initiatives matter because they touch the heart of human dignity. They are about restoring lives interrupted by conflict and displacement, ensuring that children can grow in safe environments, and that women and men can rebuild their futures with dignity and opportunity.
He added that: “As the UN Secretary-General has reminded us, “leaving no one behind is not a slogan—it is a commitment.” Today we reaffirm that commitment in Nigeria.
“For Nigeria, these programmes are important because displacement challenges go beyond humanitarian needs; they affect development, stability, and peace. Nigeria is a nation of extraordinary resilience and potential. By addressing displacement with durable solutions, we are strengthening the social fabric, deepening trust in institutions, and creating pathways to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In doing so, we help secure a future where prosperity is shared, and no community is excluded from progress.”
He said: “The United Nations in Nigeria is fully aligned with this vision. Through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023–2027), we are working with government and partners to integrate durable solutions into broader development planning. These initiatives are anchored in the triple nexus—linking humanitarian action, peace, and development. They aim not only to respond to urgent needs but also to build resilience, expand access to services, and empower communities to thrive.”
The “Sustainable Urban Integration of Displaced Populations in Adamawa, Yobe, and Kano States in Nigeria (SIDPIN)” and the “EU Support for Protection, Assistance, and Durable Solutions in Sokoto (SPADS)”
projects are part of a multi-agency effort to address displacement through sustainable urban integration, with a strong focus on women, children, and vulnerable groups.
Developed through an inclusive consultative process involving State Governors, relevant Federal and State Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), IDP communities, and other stakeholders, the projects align with both national and state displacement action plans, as well as the European Union’s regional protection and solutions strategy for West Africa.
EU Supports IDPs In Five Nigerian States With 15m Euros
News
Cuba Blames U.S. Sanctions for Deepening Energy Crisis, Responds Cautiously to Reported $100m Aid Offer
Cuba Blames U.S. Sanctions for Deepening Energy Crisis, Responds Cautiously to Reported $100m Aid Offer
By: Michael Mike
The government of Cuba has intensified accusations against the United States over the island’s worsening electricity and economic crisis, while cautiously welcoming reports of a proposed $100 million American aid package amid growing humanitarian concerns.
In separate statements issued this week, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and government officials argued that the country’s severe power shortages, fuel scarcity, and economic hardship are direct consequences of decades-long U.S. sanctions and what Havana described as an increasingly aggressive “energy blockade.”
The latest developments come as Cuba experiences one of its most difficult periods in recent years, marked by prolonged blackouts, shortages of food and medicine, rising inflation, and mounting public frustration.
Díaz-Canel said the situation affecting Cuba’s National Power System had become “especially tense,” with authorities forecasting a deficit of more than 2,000 megawatts during peak evening demand.
According to the Cuban leader, fuel shortages alone were responsible for preventing the generation of at least 1,100 megawatts of electricity, significantly worsening blackouts across the country.
He accused Washington of deliberately obstructing fuel supplies to Cuba by threatening sanctions and punitive measures against countries and companies willing to trade with Havana.
“This dramatic worsening has a single cause: the genocidal energy blockade that the U.S. has imposed on our country,” Díaz-Canel declared.
The Cuban president argued that recent improvements in electricity supply during April demonstrated the direct relationship between fuel imports and power generation capacity.
He noted that the arrival of a single fuel tanker — out of the eight Cuba reportedly requires monthly — temporarily reduced electricity deficits and mitigated blackouts, though outages did not disappear entirely.
Díaz-Canel further accused sections of the U.S. media and political establishment of attempting to portray Cuba’s economic crisis as solely the result of government mismanagement while ignoring the impact of sanctions and economic restrictions.
According to him, neither the decades-old U.S. embargo nor the additional sanctions imposed during the administration of former President Donald Trump had succeeded in overthrowing the Cuban Revolution.
He alleged that more recent executive measures targeting fuel supplies, foreign trade, and investment in Cuba were specifically designed to increase suffering among ordinary citizens and provoke unrest against the government.
Despite the criticism, Havana has also reacted cautiously to reports that the United States Department of State had formally proposed an aid package valued at $100 million for Cuba.
In a separate government statement, Cuban authorities said it remained unclear whether the proposed assistance would come in the form of direct financial support or material aid such as fuel, food, or medicine.
The Cuban government said it was prepared to consider foreign aid offered in good faith and expressed openness to working with the Catholic Church in implementing humanitarian support efforts.
“We are willing to hear the details of the offer and how it would be implemented,” the statement said, while warning against any attempt to use humanitarian assistance for political leverage.
Havana maintained that the most meaningful support Washington could provide would be the easing of economic, commercial, financial, and energy restrictions imposed on the island.
Cuban officials argued that sanctions had intensified “as never before” in recent months, severely affecting nearly every sector of the economy and worsening living conditions for millions of citizens.
The latest exchange reflects the complicated and often confrontational relationship between Havana and Washington, which has remained strained for more than six decades despite intermittent attempts at diplomatic rapprochement.
While Cuba insists that U.S. sanctions are the central driver of its current crisis, critics of the Cuban government continue to point to structural inefficiencies, state control of the economy, and policy failures as major contributors to the country’s prolonged economic difficulties.
Nevertheless, the apparent willingness of both sides to discuss humanitarian assistance suggests a potentially significant, though cautious, opening for limited engagement amid escalating hardship on the island.
Cuba Blames U.S. Sanctions for Deepening Energy Crisis, Responds Cautiously to Reported $100m Aid Offer
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner in Taraba State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with Defence Intelligence Agency operatives and local vigilantes, have arrested a suspected gunrunner in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Security sources said the arrest was made at about 7:45 a.m. on May 13 during an intelligence-led operation at Iware community in the area.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended following credible intelligence linking him to arms trafficking activities within the Amaseyo general area.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect was allegedly involved in illegal arms dealing, prompting his immediate arrest by the joint security team.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation, while security agencies say efforts are ongoing to dismantle arms trafficking networks operating within the state and surrounding areas.
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner in Taraba State
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim During Patrol in Kogi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation MESA have rescued a kidnap victim abandoned by suspected terrorists along the Obajana–Jakura–Tajimi axis in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources said the rescue operation was carried out at about 9:00 a.m. on May 13 by troops of 12 Brigade during a fighting patrol along the old Obajana–Jakura–Tajimi road.
According to the report, the troops discovered the victim after suspected kidnappers abandoned him while fleeing from the advancing security personnel.
The rescued victim was subsequently reunited with his family after the operation.
Security patrols and clearance operations have continued along the route and adjoining communities as part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
Cuba Blames U.S. Sanctions for Deepening Energy Crisis, Responds Cautiously to Reported $100m Aid Offer
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists During Clearance Operations in Borno
Governor Buni moves to appeal to guber aspirants to step down for Wali in Yobe
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