UNFPA Nigeria Situation Report #5 - December 2024

Nigeria faced a multitude of security challenges in December 2024. Ongoing attacks by non-state armed groups, coupled with incidents like landmine explosions and clashes resulting in casualties, contributed to a heightened risk of GBV and limited access to maternal healthcare. The recovery of unexploded ordnances underscored the persistent threat of violence. Meanwhile, the looming food insecurity crisis in Northern Nigeria, affecting millions, including vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women, further exacerbated the situation, pushing women and girls into harmful coping mechanisms. Additionally, economic hardship and rising inflation deepened poverty, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford basic necessities.

UNFPA Nigeria has provided support to women and girls in vulnerable situations through multiple interventions in December 2024. These interventions included providing SRH services to 17,781 individuals, protection and GBV services to 13,636 individuals, and skills acquisition sessions to 3,694 women and adolescent girls. Additionally, UNFPA reached 19,929 community members with key SRH and GBV messages. UNFPA also commemorated the International Day for Persons with Disabilities by focusing on disability inclusion and advocacy for accessible services, and commissioned a safe space in Bokos to deliver GBV and SRH services. In Plateau State, the 16 Days of Activism campaign continued, featuring awareness creation and stakeholder engagement to address and report GBV. Finally, a one-stop center was constructed in Gulak, Adamawa State, to meet the urgent GBV and SRH needs of displaced and vulnerable persons.

UNFPA has been actively addressing GBV in Nigeria, providing essential services to women and girls, and conducting training sessions to strengthen GBV response capabilities. The GBV Area of Responsibility (AoR) also led the 16 Days of Activism against GBV campaign and participated in regional coordination meetings to provide updates on GBV and SRH interventions. Additionally, UNFPA engaged in Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Network activities, refining strategies and action plans for 2025. In collaboration with partners and as co-lead of the SRH Working Group, UNFPA conducted SRH and GBV needs and gap assessments and supported SRH service delivery.