The United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has revealed plans to reduce its global workforce by 20%, affecting operations in Nigeria and several other countries.
OCHA Chief Tom Fletcher announced the cuts in a note to staff, citing a significant reduction in contributions from the United States, the UN agency’s largest donor.
Fletcher also said the decision was due to a $58 million funding shortfall.
Recall that the United States slashed its annual $63 million pledge, which accounted for 20% of OCHA’s 2025 budget.
As a result, Fletcher, in the note said that the agency plans to downsize from over 2,600 employees to approximately 2,100, scaling back operations in 10 countries, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Colombia, Eritrea, Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and Gaziantep in Turkey.
Fletcher emphasized that the cuts are purely financial and not due to reduced humanitarian demands.
“OCHA currently has about 2,600 staff in over 60 countries. The funding gap means we are looking to regroup to around 2,100 staff in fewer locations,” Fletcher said.
The announcement has sparked concern among humanitarian organizations.
Nigeria, a nation grappling with several humanitarian challenges, is expected to face significant impacts from OCHA’s reduced presence.
The UN agency has been instrumental in supporting millions affected by conflict and displacement in the region. According to official data, OCHA, in 2024, reported that 7.9 million Nigerians required humanitarian assistance. The staff cuts could strain local aid efforts, leaving vulnerable populations with less support.
