Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has sounded the alarm over a worsening humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s South East. Over 268,000 people have been displaced across 158 camps in Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi states, with many lacking clean water, proper shelter, healthcare, and education.
Speaking at a roundtable in Abuja titled “Through Their Eyes: A Call to Action, Addressing Humanitarian Challenges in the South East”, Kalu highlighted the impact of displacement, violence, and natural disasters like gully erosion, which have destroyed homes and left families in dire conditions.
He called on international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and government agencies to step up efforts, not only to provide emergency aid but also to develop long-term solutions. Kalu praised the INGOs for their ongoing work, including food distribution, healthcare support, and advocacy for vulnerable groups. He pledged to push for legislation that would create a stronger framework for addressing these issues.
Kalu stressed that urgent attention is needed in areas such as education, healthcare, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), mental health, gender-based violence, and shelter. He urged everyone to work together, saying, “This crisis isn’t just a regional issue; it’s a national challenge that requires a collective response. Let’s align our resources and strategies to ensure no one is left behind.”
Representatives from INGOs, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NEMA, and other organizations pledged their support. They, however, requested higher budget allocations in 2025 to strengthen their ability to respond effectively to the crisis. The meeting ended with a shared commitment to finding lasting solutions to the growing humanitarian and ecological challenges in the South East.
