The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has allocated $2.5 billion for its 2023-2027 Nigeria Country Strategy Plan, aiming to achieve zero hunger and improve nutrition across the country.
This announcement was made by the Head of Programme for WFP, Seriene Loum, during a Co-creation workshop held in collaboration with the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Loum, who represented the WFP Country Director, emphasized that WFP’s strategic goal aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2, which focus on poverty reduction and ending hunger.
Loum explained that the WFP would work closely with UN member states, including Nigeria, to mobilize resources for the full implementation of these programs.
The Nigeria Country Strategy Plan (CSP) for 2023 to 2027 is a five-year project with a dedicated focus on strengthening institutional capacities and creating an enabling environment to achieve the national goal of zero hunger by 2030.
The initiative will address food technology, supply chain management, nutrition improvement, and emergency preparedness.
The CSP consists of five pillars, each aimed at achieving zero hunger and improving nutrition. It includes emergency response activities to provide immediate food assistance to vulnerable populations, ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry.
Loum also highlighted that Nigeria operates one of the largest social safety net programs in Africa, which aims to uplift millions of citizens out of poverty.
Loum pointed out that, according to the October 2024 Cadre Harmonisé report, around 25 million Nigerians are currently facing acute food insecurity, with the number expected to rise to 33 million between June and August 2025.
Given the current economic challenges and vulnerabilities, he stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders, especially the WFP and the Federal Government, to achieve the ambitious goal of zero hunger.
Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA, Badamasi Lawal, noted that the seminar aimed to harness collective expertise and resources for a meaningful impact on the lives of Nigerians.
Represented by Uche Obi, the Director of Human Resources Management, Lawal commended WFP for its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to tackle poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.
Lawal further highlighted that NSIPA, which was elevated to a full-fledged agency in 2023, has made significant progress in addressing poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.
Through various programs, including the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, and N-Power, NSIPA has reached millions of Nigerians, providing opportunities for economic empowerment, education, and improved well-being.
He emphasized that the WFP’s expertise in food security and nutrition would enhance these programs and help achieve greater impact.
Lawal also praised the partnership with WFP as a powerful example of international cooperation, enabling the sharing of knowledge and development of innovative solutions to address the nation’s complex challenges.
The WFP’s support has allowed the Federal Government to engage stakeholders in meaningful discussions, shaping the future of their partnership.
Lawal concluded that the collaboration with WFP is a clear indication of their shared commitment to Nigeria’s development and the well-being of its people.
