Trump’s Executive Order Halts US Aid, 250,000 Lives Affected in Yobe

Trump’s Executive Order Halts US Aid, 250,000 Lives Affected in Yobe

The Yobe State Government has revealed that more than 250,000 people in the conflict‑affected north‑east have been severely impacted by the United States’ funding cuts, following an Executive stop‑work order signed by President Donald Trump in 2025. Authorities warn that the withdrawal of support has disrupted essential humanitarian operations, including food security, healthcare, protection services, and education.

Dr Muhammad Goje, Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), disclosed the figures during a breakfast show, describing the situation as “deeply concerning” for vulnerable communities. He explained that the United States had been the largest and most consistent donor for over a decade, supporting life-saving assistance in the BAY states — Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.

According to Goje, the suspension of US aid has forced humanitarian agencies to consolidate operations, compete for limited resources, or withdraw entirely. Among the affected are approximately 13,000 out-of-school children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), and other vulnerable populations dependent on healthcare, nutrition, and protection services.

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In 2024, Nigeria’s Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) requested US$926.5 million to assist 4.4 million people. About US$556 million was received, with the United States contributing roughly US$316 million, representing 57% of total humanitarian funding — making it the single largest donor. The sudden suspension has therefore created a major funding gap, threatening the continuity of critical programmes.

Dr Goje highlighted that food assistance, previously supporting 65,000 households monthly, has been curtailed following the aid freeze, with over 650 metric tons of food distributed each month by the World Food Programme (WFP) now unavailable. Across the north-east, more than 2,500 humanitarian workers have lost their jobs due to the funding cut, affecting thousands of dependent family members.

Authorities say the state government has begun implementing measures to mitigate the humanitarian impact, including mobilising local resources, improving coordination among agencies, and seeking alternative funding streams. However, officials acknowledge that domestic efforts cannot fully replace international aid, especially amid rising food insecurity, displacement, and health crises in the region.

Experts warn that the suspension of US support comes amid broader global aid reductions, leaving vulnerable populations at risk. Without renewed international assistance, millions of people across north-east Nigeria could face severe hunger, malnutrition, and lack of essential services, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Trump’s Executive Order Halts US Aid, 250,000 Lives Affected in Yobe