The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has earmarked $2.5 billion under its 2023-2027 Nigeria Country Strategy Plan (CSP) to achieve zero hunger and improve nutrition across the country.
Speaking at a co-creation workshop in Abuja, organized in collaboration with the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), the Head of Programme for WFP, Mr. Seriene Loum, highlighted the organization’s commitment to eradicating hunger in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on poverty and zero hunger.
Loum, representing the WFP Country Director, emphasized that the programme would closely collaborate with United Nations member states, including Nigeria, to mobilize resources for full implementation.
“WFP Nigeria CSP 2023-2027 is a five-year project with a dedicated focus on strengthening institutional capacities and enhancing the enabling environment to achieve zero hunger by 2030. The project emphasizes food technology, supply chain fortification, improved nutrition, and emergency preparedness responses,” he stated.
The strategy is built on five key pillars, all centered on achieving zero hunger and improved nutrition. Loum noted that the interventions include emergency responses to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.
He further recognized Nigeria as home to one of Africa’s largest social safety net programmes, with an ambitious goal of lifting millions out of poverty.
“Given the current economic landscape and vulnerabilities, the Cadre Harmonisé report of October 2024 indicates that about 25 million Nigerians are acutely food insecure, with projections rising to 33 million between June and August 2025. This underscores the need for all stakeholders, particularly WFP, to collaborate with the Federal Government in achieving this ambitious goal,” Loum added.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA, Prof. Badamasi Lawal, described the workshop as an avenue to harness collective expertise and resources to make a meaningful impact.
Represented by the Director of Human Resources Management, Mrs. Uche Obi, he commended WFP for its commitment to addressing poverty, hunger, and malnutrition in Nigeria.
“The partnership with WFP is a testament to the power of international cooperation in fostering a more equitable and prosperous society. Since its elevation to a full-fledged agency in 2023, NSIPA has made significant strides in combating poverty, inequality, and social exclusion,” Lawal said.
He highlighted the agency’s various initiatives, including the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, Grant for Vulnerable Groups, and N-Power.
Lawal expressed optimism that WFP’s expertise in food security, nutrition, and emergency response would enhance NSIPA’s 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,” he added.
He also acknowledged WFP’s support in facilitating meaningful stakeholder discussions to shape the future of their partnership.
“Your investment in this partnership underscores your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s development and the well-being of its people,” Lawal concluded.
(NAN)
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