Hungary’s recent humanitarian mission to Nigeria, conducted under the Hungary Helps programme, concluded with the announcement of new aid projects and renewed commitments to support persecuted Christian communities. The update came from State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians Tristan Azbej, who shared a summary of the mission from a refugee camp in Benue State via Facebook.
Over the course of five days, the delegation visited several sites where Hungary, in cooperation with local churches, has provided humanitarian assistance. One of the most critical stops was Maiduguri, a city in northeastern Nigeria that remains affected by violence from Boko Haram, an internationally recognized terrorist organization. There, Hungarian representatives delivered food aid to internally displaced people and victims of recent flooding.
A highlight of the trip was the inauguration of a training centre in Onitsha, where 400 young women are currently being educated as nurses — a project also supported by Hungarian funds.
In addition to fieldwork, the Hungarian team, joined by MEP György Hölvényi, who also serves as Hungary Helps’ goodwill ambassador, held high-level talks with Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and several religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities. These discussions focused on humanitarian assistance, development cooperation, religious tolerance, and efforts to prevent migration to Europe.
Azbej confirmed that Hungary will continue its humanitarian programmes in Nigeria. In the coming weeks, the government will fund a Hungarian medical mission and finance the drilling of new clean water wells, totalling around 23 million forints in aid.
He emphasized the moral responsibility to stand by persecuted Christians and stressed Hungary’s approach: offering help where it’s most needed, rather than relocating those in crisis to Europe. According to Azbej, this strategy benefits both the local communities and European societies.
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