Abuja, Nigeria.
The Emergency Telecommunications Sector (ETS) in Nigeria is addressing a dual crisis of funding shortages and escalating insecurity, which has severely impacted humanitarian operations in the north-eastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe. Despite receiving only 14. 5% of its $1.
86 million annual requirement, the ETS remains steadfast in its mission to provide critical services to humanitarians in the region.
The ETS, activated in November 2016 in response to the protection crisis, has been pivotal in delivering data connectivity and security communications to those aiding in the region.
However, the underfunding has strained the sector’s ability to operate effectively, particularly across the nine humanitarian hubs in the affected states.
The security situation has worsened with recent attacks in Damboa, Banki, Damasak, Monguno, and Ngoshe, leading to increased displacement and overstretching of services in areas like Pulka.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has sounded the alarm, warning that without new funding, emergency food assistance resources may dwindle by the end of 2026.
The ETS and WFP are exploring a transition to a cost — sharing model for 2026 to maintain priority services, while the Omni Channel initiative, a digital security tracking system for staff safety, is currently being piloted in Ngala.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in the north — east underscores the urgent need for increased international support to address the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations and ensure the well-being of the affected populations.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Emergency Telecommunications Cluster
