The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Nigeria has officially received 68 tonnes of dates from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to help address food insecurity in Nigeria.
The handover ceremony, held at the WFP Country Office in Abuja, marked another step in the growing partnership between Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and WFP.
David Stevenson, Country Director, UN World Food Programme, said the consignment will reach no fewer than 34,000 households—around 170,000 people— with each household receiving two kilograms of dates.
He said the distribution is planned across IDP camps in Borno State, tentatively earmarked for Damasak, Mafa, Dikwa, and Damboa.
“At a time of dwindling resources, the humanitarian community must stay the course on northern Nigeria and continue reaching vulnerable populations with lifesaving humanitarian assistance. We aim to align the distribution with in-kind food assistance cycles in these locations, tentatively scheduled for October, November, or December,” he said.
“In addition, WFP will conduct beneficiary sensitisation and state-level engagement to ensure the dates are well-received and appropriately utilised.
“This handover is a symbolic testament to our shared humanitarian values and the power of collaboration. WFP is proud to work alongside the Nigerian government and international partners to deliver life-saving assistance. This year, we will have reached close to 1.5 million of the most vulnerable populations in Northern Nigeria, helping them address their most urgent food and nutrition needs,” he added.
Commitment
Mr Saad Fahad Almarri, the Charge d’Affaires of the embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria, said the donation underscored the commitment of the Saudi government to supporting not only the food security needs of Nigeria but also changing living outcomes, which would ultimately ensure steady development.
He recalled the extensive humanitarian portfolio of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, which has executed more than 3,600 projects in 108 countries worth over $8.1 billion.
“Today’s handover represents our shared commitment to provide necessary assistance, relief and food security all over the world, especially in the North East of Nigeria.”
Nigeria, he said, has been a special focus, receiving aid ranging from food baskets and IDP support to specialised medical programmes such as blindness prevention and open-heart surgeries.
Jummai Katagum, Director, Humanitarian Affairs, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, thanked both WFP and the Saudi Government for their support in sustaining food security in Northern Nigeria.
She said the collaboration serves as a confirmation of the effectiveness of soft power in supporting the development needs of vulnerable populations residing in post-conflict impacted territories – especially in Nigeria’s North-East.
Significance
Dates hold deep cultural significance for communities in both Saudi Arabia and Northern Nigeria.
Beyond their cultural value, they are a vital nutritional resource, providing essential minerals and energy.
A 100-gram serving offers approximately 2.5g of protein, 0.4g of fat, and key minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, making them an important addition to WFP’s food assistance interventions for school-aged children and other vulnerable groups.