U.S. Commits $55m to Enhance Food Security in Nigeria
To address the economic, food and nutrition needs of vulnerable communities, the United States said it has committed $55 million towards food security relief for Nigerians.
A statement by the US Embassy in Nigeria on Wednesday, revealed that the development was a part of President Joe Biden’s recent pledge at the G-7 Leader’s Summit in Germany, saying it was aimed at protecting the most vulnerable nations from an escalating global food crisis.
According to the statement, the fund would be administered through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) under its agriculture, nutrition, and humanitarian assistance programmes (and subject to congressional approval).
Also, the statement revealed that the funds would help to immediately address the food and nutrition needs of vulnerable communities in Nigeria most adversely impacted by higher food, fuel and fertiliser prices.
Speaking, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, reassured of the United States and the American people’s commitment to improving the economic well-being and food security of all Nigerians.
Her words: “The United States is committed to mitigating the adverse effect of the current global food crisis on the people of Nigeria. We strongly support Nigeria’s economic prosperity and well-being, and our decades-long partnership with the Nigerian government, the private sector and NGO community to address the country’s most urgent development and humanitarian needs. We empathise with the hardships and suffering of Nigerian citizens that have been exacerbated as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its negative impact on food security, and we fully expect President Biden’s initiative will significantly soften the blow of these war-related international price shocks.”
Agro Nigeria
