The United States Government has pledged $32.5 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) to boost food and nutrition assistance for communities in Nigeria affected by conflict.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the US Embassy in Nigeria, the donation is aimed at supporting internally displaced persons in the North-East and North-West regions. The funding is designed to save lives and ease the hardship of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children who are most at risk.
“With this contribution, WFP Nigeria will provide food and nutrition assistance to 764,205 beneficiaries across conflict-affected areas, including complementary nutrition top-ups for 41,569 pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls, and 43,235 children through electronic food vouchers,” the statement explained.
This announcement follows the $93 million emergency food assistance unveiled in August by the United States for 13 countries, 12 of them in Africa, to tackle escalating hunger and malnutrition. The US Department of State revealed that the program will deliver ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) to nearly one million children suffering from acute malnutrition.
The countries benefiting from the wider initiative include Nigeria, Haiti, Mali, Niger, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Madagascar, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Kenya, and Chad.
During a press briefing, the principal deputy spokesperson for the US State Department highlighted that the aid will cover essential food commodities, targeted nutrition programs, and emergency logistics.
“Today marks the first 200 days of the Trump Administration, and with it 200 days of delivering results and real wins for the American people. Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio, the United States is restoring strength, securing prosperity, and standing up for American interests on the world stage,” Pigott said.
The move comes two months after the closure of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), a decision taken under the Trump administration’s cost-cutting measures, which has since faced criticism from former American officials and global health advocates.
What You Should Know
The $32.5 million US donation will enable WFP Nigeria to deliver crucial food aid and nutrition programs to over 760,000 people in conflict-ridden areas.
The assistance prioritizes vulnerable groups, especially women, children, and displaced families. This contribution is part of broader US emergency food programs across Africa, underscoring Nigeria’s inclusion in global humanitarian efforts.
