In joint humanitarian response to the recent floods in Niger State, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and IHS Nigeria have launched an emergency intervention to support over 30,000 displaced persons in Mokwa Local Government Area.
The initiative follows torrential rainfall on May 29 that caused flash floods across five communities—Tiffin Maza, Ungwan Hausawa, Yagbagba, Ndayeko, and Wubegi. The disaster claimed more than 153 lives, left over 500 people missing, and displaced thousands. Additionally, more than 10,000 hectares of farmland were destroyed, posing a serious threat to food security in the region.
The most vulnerable among those affected include around 1,600 children and nearly 800 pregnant and lactating women who now lack access to clean water, basic healthcare, and education.
To address these urgent needs, IHS Nigeria, a subsidiary of IHS Holding Limited, has committed emergency funding to support UNICEF’s rapid response efforts. The partnership will focus on restoring essential services such as clean water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and child protection in the affected communities.
The intervention includes the construction of three solar-powered boreholes, installation of ventilated improved pit latrines, and the renovation and solarisation of a damaged primary healthcare centre.
UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, described the intervention as timely and lifesaving. “This emergency support from IHS Nigeria comes at a critical time when thousands of children and families are facing enormous hardship,” she said. “Together, we’re ensuring the children of Mokwa are not left behind.”
As the global cluster lead for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Nutrition, Education, and Child Protection, UNICEF has already deployed life-saving measures, including access to safe drinking water, emergency sanitation, therapeutic nutrition, psychosocial support, and temporary learning spaces.
IHS Nigeria CEO, Mohamad Darwish, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to long-term community resilience. “Communities must not only survive disasters but emerge stronger. Our partnership with UNICEF has helped deliver lasting impact in Nigeria’s most vulnerable regions,” he stated.
This latest collaboration in Mokwa builds on past joint initiatives between UNICEF and IHS Nigeria aimed at strengthening maternal and child health services, improving school infrastructure, and supporting underserved communities through sustainable development programs.
