The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has clarified that it will not shut down its operations in Nigeria, despite ongoing global funding cuts that will lead to a 20% workforce reduction worldwide.
In a statement sent to AFP, Trond Jensen, Head of OCHA in Nigeria, said the agency is “gradually scaling back” and transitioning to a “humanitarian advisory team”, not fully withdrawing. The clarification comes after Nigerian media quoted Humanitarian Affairs Minister Nentawe Goshwe as suggesting a total exit.
OCHA, which operates in over 60 countries, is undergoing a global restructure due to financial pressures. A recent internal letter revealed about 2,600 jobs will be cut, citing a “wave of brutal funding cuts,” particularly from key donors like the United States.
While the Nigeria office will reduce its footprint, the agency remains committed to supporting humanitarian needs in the country’s vulnerable regions, particularly the conflict-affected northeast.