The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has earmarked $2.5 billion for its Nigeria Country Strategy Plan (CSP) spanning 2023 to 2027. The initiative aims to combat hunger and enhance nutrition across the country.
Speaking at a co-creation workshop in Abuja, organized in partnership with the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), WFP’s Head of Programme, Seriene Loum, highlighted the organization’s commitment to achieving zero hunger, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2 which are poverty eradication and food security.
Loum, who represented the WFP Country Director, emphasized the agency’s collaboration with UN member states, including Nigeria, to mobilize resources for effective implementation.
“The WFP Nigeria CSP 2023–2027 is a five-year initiative designed to strengthen institutional capacities and create an enabling environment to meet national zero-hunger targets by 2030,” he stated.
The project focuses on key areas such as food technology, supply chain fortification, nutrition improvement, and emergency response preparedness. Loum outlined that the strategy is built on five pillars, all centered on eradicating hunger and improving nutrition.
“We have interventions aimed at emergency response, ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry. These lifesaving activities provide immediate food assistance to those in need,” he added.
Loum acknowledged Nigeria’s extensive social safety net programs, describing them as some of the most ambitious in Africa. However, he also noted the growing food security crisis.
“According to the Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis from October 2024, approximately 25 million Nigerians are currently facing acute food insecurity. This number could rise to 33 million by mid-2025,” he warned.
Given these projections, he stressed the need for concerted efforts between WFP and the Nigerian government to achieve food security goals.
The Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA, Prof. Badamasi Lawal, underscored the importance of partnerships in addressing hunger and malnutrition. Represented by NSIPA’s Director of Human Resources Management, Uche Obi, he commended WFP’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against poverty.
“The collaboration with WFP highlights the power of international cooperation and a shared vision for a more equitable and prosperous society,” he said.
Lawal highlighted NSIPA’s efforts since its establishment in 2016, with a full agency status granted in 2023. Through initiatives such as the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, and N-Power, millions of Nigerians have benefitted from economic empowerment, education, and improved well-being.
He expressed optimism that WFP’s expertise in food security, nutrition, and emergency response would strengthen NSIPA’s impact.
“This partnership will enable us to leverage each other’s strengths, share knowledge, and develop innovative solutions to address the complex challenges Nigeria faces,” he noted.
Lawal further acknowledged WFP’s role in facilitating meaningful stakeholder discussions, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable food security.
“Your investment in this partnership demonstrates your dedication to Nigeria’s development and the well-being of its people,” he concluded.