The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has earmarked $2.5 billion for its Nigeria Country Strategy Plan (CSP) 2023-2027, aimed at achieving zero hunger and improved nutrition across the country.
Speaking at a co-creation workshop organized in collaboration with the National Social Investment Programme Agency (N-SIPA) in Abuja, WFP’s Head of Programme, Mr. Seriene Loum, who represented the Country Director, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to eradicating hunger in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on poverty and zero hunger.
“WFP Nigeria CSP 2023-2027, a five-year project, has a dedicated activity for strengthening institutional capacities and enhancing the enabling environment in line with national targets to achieve zero hunger by 2030,” Loum said.
He added that the project focuses on food technology, fortification, supply chain management, nutrition improvement, and emergency preparedness.
Highlighting Nigeria’s extensive social safety net programme, Loum noted that despite efforts to reduce poverty, food insecurity remains a major challenge.
“Considering the current economic trend and level of vulnerabilities in Nigeria, the Cadre Harmonisé result of October 2024 reveals that about 25 million Nigerians are acutely food insecure, and this figure is projected to reach 33 million between June and August 2025,” he warned.
He stressed the need for collaboration, saying, “It is therefore expedient that all stakeholders, especially WFP, work together with the Federal Government to achieve this very ambitious goal.”
Also speaking, Prof. Badamasi Lawal, Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA, represented by Mrs. Uche Obi, Director of Human Resources Management, commended WFP for its support in tackling poverty, hunger, and malnutrition in Nigeria.
“WFP’s partnership is a testament to the power of international cooperation and the shared vision of creating a more equitable and prosperous society,” Obi stated.
She highlighted the impact of Nigeria’s social intervention programmes such as 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, which have provided economic empowerment and education opportunities to millions of Nigerians.
“The WFP’s expertise in food security, nutrition, and emergency response will be invaluable in enhancing our programmes and achieving greater impact,” she added.
Obi emphasized that WFP’s support has been instrumental in fostering meaningful discussions among stakeholders and shaping the future of their partnership.
“Your investment in this partnership is a testament to your commitment to Nigeria’s development and the well-being of its people,” she concluded.
