The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has announced plans to reduce its global workforce by 20% due to a significant funding gap of $58 million. Nigeria, along with nine other countries, is expected to be impacted by this downsizing.
Tom Fletcher, the U.N.’s humanitarian chief, shared the update with staff following a major funding cut by OCHA’s largest donor—the United States.
“With approximately 2,600 personnel operating in more than 60 countries, we are now planning to streamline our operations to around 2,100 staff in fewer locations,” Fletcher wrote in a message to employees, according to Reuters.
OCHA plays a critical role in coordinating international humanitarian response, including mobilizing aid, disseminating vital information, and advocating for people affected by crises. Its operations are largely funded by voluntary donations.
“The United States has long been the cornerstone of global humanitarian aid and the single largest supporter of OCHA’s budget,” Fletcher explained, noting that the U.S. was expected to contribute $63 million in 2025—making up about 20% of OCHA’s extra-budgetary funding.
Since reentering office in January, President Donald Trump’s administration has made sweeping cuts to foreign aid, aiming to align spending with its “America First” policy agenda. These reductions have significantly affected the U.N.’s humanitarian programs.
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In response to the shortfall, Fletcher stated that OCHA will concentrate its limited resources on fewer locations. As a result, the agency will reduce its presence in countries including Cameroon, Colombia, Eritrea, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey (Gaziantep), and Zimbabwe.
“These cutbacks are a result of funding decisions by member states—not because global needs have diminished,” he emphasized. “In fact, humanitarian demands are escalating, fueled by conflict, climate disasters, disease outbreaks, and continued violations of international humanitarian law.”
Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres recently launched a broader initiative aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing expenses as the organization marks its 80th anniversary during a period of financial strain.
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