The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has committed $2.5 billion for Nigeria’s 2023–2027 Country Strategy Plans, aimed at achieving zero hunger and improving nutrition across the country.
Mr. Seriene Loum, Head of Programme at WFP, announced this at the Co-creation workshop held in collaboration with the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) in Abuja on Wednesday. Loum, who was representing the WFP Country Director, emphasized that the organization’s strategic goal is to create a world free of hunger, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2, which focus on poverty reduction and ending hunger.
Loum stated that WFP would partner with UN member states, including Nigeria, to mobilize resources to fully implement the program. He added, “The WFP Nigeria CSP 2023–2027 is a five-year initiative with a focus on strengthening institutional capacities and creating an enabling environment to meet the national target of achieving zero hunger by 2030.”
The project will prioritize food technology, supply chain management fortification, improved nutrition, and emergency preparedness. Loum highlighted the five main pillars of the initiative, which focus on zero hunger and better nutrition. He also stressed the importance of emergency response efforts to ensure no one goes to bed hungry, emphasizing that these lifesaving interventions provide immediate food assistance to those in need.
Loum praised Nigeria for running one of the largest social safety net programs in Africa and noted the country’s ambitious goal of lifting millions out of poverty. However, he also pointed out the alarming food insecurity statistics, stating that, according to the Cadre Harmonised (C) results of October 2024, about 25 million Nigerians are acutely food insecure. This number is expected to rise to 33 million between June and August 2025.
“It is crucial that all stakeholders, especially WFP, collaborate closely with the Federal Government to achieve this ambitious goal,” Loum said.
Prof. Badamasi Lawal, CEO of NSIPA, who was represented by Mrs. Uche Obi, Director of Human Resources Management, also spoke at the event. He explained that the workshop was aimed at leveraging collective expertise and resources to make a significant impact on the lives of Nigerians. Lawal commended WFP for its unwavering support in addressing poverty, hunger, and malnutrition in the country.
“The partnership with WFP is a demonstration of international cooperation, aimed at creating a more equitable and prosperous society,” he said. “Since its launch in 2016 and elevation to a full-fledged agency in 2023, NSIPA has made great strides in addressing poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. Through programs like the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, and N-Power, we have reached millions of Nigerians and empowered them economically, educationally, and socially.”
Lawal expressed confidence that WFP’s expertise in food security, nutrition, and emergency response would further enhance Nigeria’s social investment programs. He concluded by recognizing the value of this partnership, highlighting WFP’s commitment to Nigeria’s development and the well-being of its citizens.
