WFP Allocates $5 Million for Food Security in Nigeria

The World Food Programme (WFP) has disclosed that it spent $5 million (approximately N7.4 billion) on shock-response and social protection interventions in Nigeria, as announced by Serigne Loum, the country director of WFP, during the inauguration of a workshop in Abuja on Thursday. This funding comes amid a worsening food crisis in Nigeria, where ten million people face food insecurity, particularly in conflict-affected areas of the northeast region.

Loum emphasized that the funds reflect the increasing strain on Nigeria's humanitarian system, driven by overlapping crises that stretch government agencies and aid organizations. He noted that Nigeria has the potential to become a model country for shock-response social protection systems if properly implemented.

The WFP aims to achieve zero hunger in Nigeria and is committed to strengthening government systems in social protection and emergency response. However, the agency has warned of a severe funding shortfall affecting its ability to sustain emergency food and nutrition assistance.