WFP to fight hunger affecting ’25 million’ Nigerians with $2.5bn

The United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP) has allocated $2.5 billion under its 2023-2027 Nigeria Country Strategy Plans (CSP) to achieve zero hunger and improve nutrition nationwide.

Seriene Loum, head of programme at WFP, spoke on Wednesday at the organisation’s co-creation workshop held in collaboration with the National Social Investment Programme Agency (N-SIPA) in Abuja.

Loum, represented by David Stevenson, WFP’s country director, said the WFP’s strategic goal is to ensure a world without hunger, aligning with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) one and two on poverty and zero hunger.

He said the WFP would collaborate closely with UN member states, including Nigeria, to mobilise resources and fully implement the programmes.

“WFP Nigeria CSP 2023 to 2027 a five-year project has a dedicated activity for strengthening institutional capacities and enhanced enabling environment in line with national target to achieve zero hunger by 2030,” he said.

“The project focuses on food technology, fortification of supply chain management, improving nutrition and emergency preparedness responses.

“2023 to 2027 have five pillars and each of them focus on zero hunger and improved nutrition.

“We have some interventions that focus on emergency response, making sure that people will not go to bed hungry which are lifesaving activities that aim to provide immediate food assistance to people that are in need.”

Notably, Loum said 25 million Nigerians are currently experiencing acute food insecurity, with projections showing a further increase.

He said Nigeria runs one of Africa’s biggest social safety net programmes, which intends to lift millions of people out of poverty.

“Considering the current economic trend and level of vulnerabilities in Nigeria the Cadre Harmonised (C result of October 2024) reveals that about 25 million Nigerians are acutely food insecure and projected to reach 33 million between June to August 2025,” he said.

“It is therefore expedient that all stakeholders most especially, WFP need to work together with the Federal Government for this very ambitious goal to be achieved.”

‘WFP PARTNERSHIP REPRESENTS INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION POWER’

On his part, Badamasi Lawal, chief executive officer (CEO) of NSIPA, said the seminar aimed to harness collective expertise and resources to make a meaningful impact on Nigerians.

Lawal, represented by Uche Obi, director of human resources management, commended WFP for its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to address poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.

He said WFP’s partnership demonstrates the power of international cooperation and the shared vision of creating a more equitable and prosperous society.

“The NSIP, launched in 2016 [and] elevated to a full-fledged Agency in 2023, has made significant strides in addressing poverty, inequality, and social exclusion,” he said.

“Through various programmes, including the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), Conditional Cash Transfer Programme (NCTO), Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Grant for Vulnerable Groups (GVG) and N-Power, we have reached millions of Nigerians.

“We are providing them with opportunities for economic empowerment, education, and improved well-being.

“The WFP’s expertise in food security, nutrition and emergency response will be invaluable in enhancing our programs and achieving greater impact.

“This collaboration will enable us to leverage each other’s strengths, share knowledge, and develop innovative solutions to address the complex challenges facing our nation.”

Lawal added that the WFP’s support had enabled the federal government to bring stakeholders together for meaningful discussions and shape the future of their partnership.