By Margaret Ebeshi
Nigeria and the World Food Programme have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on food security, humanitarian assistance and sustainable development as both parties seek to tackle the country’s growing humanitarian and nutrition challenges.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, following a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the World Food Programme’s Country Representative in Nigeria, Katrien Ghoos, who presented her Letter of Commission in Abuja.
The meeting reviewed the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the World Food Programme, with discussions focusing on food security, humanitarian assistance, nutrition, resilience-building and sustainable development.
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Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended the World Food Programme for its sustained support to Nigeria, particularly its life-saving assistance to vulnerable populations affected by humanitarian crises.
She acknowledged the organisation’s role in complementing the Federal Government’s efforts to improve food security, strengthen community resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods across the country.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with the World Food Programme and other international partners to address the root causes of food insecurity through coordinated humanitarian and development interventions.
She stressed that Nigeria remained committed to building strategic partnerships that advance national development priorities while ensuring that vulnerable communities receive the support they need.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also underscored the need to integrate humanitarian assistance with long-term development strategies aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, improving rural livelihoods, promoting economic inclusion and strengthening resilience against climate-related and other emerging challenges.
Speaking during the meeting, Katrien Ghoos reaffirmed the World Food Programme’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to achieve food security and sustainable development.
She commended the Nigerian Government for its continued collaboration with the organisation and expressed the WFP’s readiness to deepen cooperation with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to implement impactful programmes nationwide.
Both sides also exchanged views on strengthening institutional collaboration, improving coordination in humanitarian response, mobilising greater international support for food security initiatives and exploring innovative approaches to improving nutrition and resilience among vulnerable populations.
According to Ebienfa, the meeting ended with a shared commitment to deepen the partnership between Nigeria and the World Food Programme in support of the Nigerian Government’s development agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the goal of ending hunger and ensuring food security for all Nigerians.
