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WFP Calls for Public/Private Collaboration to Tackle Hunger in Nigeria
WFP Calls for Public/Private Collaboration to Tackle Hunger in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has advised public and private sector leaders to work together to tackle the root causes of hunger and build peace in Nigeria,
This advice was given by the Executive Director of the UN agency, Cindy McCain
while concluding a visit to Nigeria, stressed that there was urgent need for this step to be taken amidst rising food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria,
A statement by the WFP made available to our correspondent on Monday, said despite its huge agricultural potential, Nigeria is now in the grips a widespread humanitarian crisis driven by poverty, recurring conflicts, and climate shocks – with 32 million people struggling to feed themselves.
The statement said during McCain’s five-day visit to Nigeria, she witnessed firsthand how conflict, climate shocks, and high food and fuel prices are driving millions into acute hunger and malnutrition.
The statement quoted McCain to have said: “What I have seen and heard during my visit to Damasak, in Borno State, is deeply disturbing. An urgent humanitarian crisis is unfolding in northern Nigeria, as the number of children with acute malnutrition soars and the ongoing conflict prevents millions from returning to their homes and lands,” adding that: “People there desperately need peace and stability, so farming and food production can restart and this hunger crisis can be halted in its tracks.”
According to the statement, the prolonged humanitarian crisis – worsened by an economic slowdown, high inflation, rising food prices, and the recent floods – is endangering the lives of children, pregnant women and girls, and entire communities. Over 3.6 million people in northeastern and northwestern states have been forcibly displaced by conflict and are not able to access their farmlands or engage in other economic activities. With devastating flooding hitting Maiduguri in September – described as the worst in 30 years – more than 400,000 people have also been temporarily displaced in and around the city.
The statement further said malnutrition is rising, with nine million children at risk of acute malnutrition in the country. The number of children admitted for severe and moderate acute malnutrition has risen by 40 and 70 percent compared to 2023.
It said WFP is on the ground, supporting government-led efforts responding to the most urgent needs, and doing all it can. So far this year, WFP has assisted 1.6 million people affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis, distributing 32,000 metric tons of food and US$40 million in cash entitlements, decrying that the scale of the crisis calls for a response that goes beyond these badly-needed humanitarian interventions.
The statement said while in Abuja and Lagos, McCain engaged with senior government and private sector leaders, creative industries, international financial institutions, the United Nations, and donor representatives to explore African-led solutions, and discuss the role of the private sector and entrepreneurship in addressing food insecurity and youth employment.
It said McCain noted that “WFP’s commitment to delivering lifesaving assistance and tackling the root causes of hunger in Nigeria is stronger than ever. By mobilizing funding, technology, and ambitious new partnerships between the private and public sectors, we can support rural livelihoods, strengthen food systems and offer sustainable solutions to food insecurity that empower local communities,”
It admitted that Nigeria – West Africa’s most populous and largest economy – has the potential to play an outsize role in stabilizing the region and helping to ensure sustainable food security and nutrition for millions, provided the country receives the attention commensurate with its strategic importance.
The statement revealed that WFP is working with the Government of Nigeria and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) on a ground-breaking food systems programme that will help communities escape the cycle of conflict by building the resilient, inclusive and effective food systems they need to achieve self-reliance.
Through the “Out of Conflict, into Solutions” food systems strategy, WFP will seek to address post-harvest losses, limited access to agricultural inputs, poor dietary diversity and limited access to food in Nigeria.
It further said: “Agriculture is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy – providing employment to more than a third of the labor force – up to 80 percent in rural areas. The private sector is one of the key contributors to developing extensive supply chains, including production, processing, manufacturing and distributions.”
It however explained that WFP needs US$228 million to stave off catastrophe in northeast Nigeria and meet the food and nutrition needs of 1.6 million over the next six months.
WFP Calls for Public/Private Collaboration to Tackle Hunger in Nigeria
News
Nigeria, Aid Partners Seek $516m to Support 2.5 Million Vulnerable People in North-East in 2026
Nigeria, Aid Partners Seek $516m to Support 2.5 Million Vulnerable People in North-East in 2026
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government, in collaboration with humanitarian partners, has launched an urgent appeal for US$516 million to deliver life-saving assistance to 2.5 million people affected by conflict and deprivation in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) States in 2026.
The appeal is contained in Nigeria’s 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) and targets the most severe humanitarian cases in the conflict-affected north-east, where women and children account for nearly 80 per cent of those in critical need.
The humanitarian crisis in the BAY states has been worsened by a prolonged 16-year insurgency, widespread displacement, limited access to essential services, climate-related shocks, economic hardship, and shrinking livelihood opportunities.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, warned that humanitarian needs are escalating at a time of declining global funding. He noted that delays in closing funding gaps could have fatal consequences, especially for malnourished children.
According to projections, about 3 million Nigerian children under the age of five are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition in 2026, with one million of them living in the BAY states. In addition, nearly 35 million Nigerians may face acute food insecurity during the 2026 lean season, including 5.8 million people in the north-east.
The 2026 HNRP places strong emphasis on a transition to nationally-led humanitarian action, as international funding continues to decline globally. The plan highlights the need for closer collaboration between government institutions and humanitarian actors to sustain assistance during this transition.
In his remarks, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to leading and coordinating humanitarian responses. He said government efforts would focus on aligning humanitarian action with national reforms aimed at poverty reduction, human capital development, and community resilience.
Governors of the BAY states — Professor Babagana Zulum of Borno, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe — also pledged stronger cooperation with humanitarian partners to deliver urgent aid while pursuing long-term solutions for displaced and conflict-affected populations.
Funding for the **2025 HNRP stood at $282
Nigeria, Aid Partners Seek $516m to Support 2.5 Million Vulnerable People in North-East in 2026
Troops clear multiple settlements in Shiroro LGA, neutralize IEDs during clearance operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army have successfully cleared multiple settlements in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, neutralizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and sustaining pressure on insurgents in the area, a development that marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to secure the North Central region.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the clearance operation, which commenced on Jan. 20, faced challenges from difficult terrain and vehicle breakdowns, including MRAP and Armoured Fighting Vehicle faults.
Despite these setbacks, troops advanced to clear settlements including Galadima Kogo, Danpkala, Angwan Shawo, Kaure, Onagbi, Iburo, Kudogo, Kori, Kampani Kpakari, Chigwamya, Chikuba, and Nabwi.
At Nabwi, troops encountered a roadside IED followed by enemy fire, which was neutralized through superior firepower.
The sources added that Nigerian Air Force assets provided close air support throughout the operation, while unmanned aerial vehicles from the Niger State Government assisted in monitoring and reconnaissance.
Zagazola note that the operation has broader strategic implications. Shiroro LGA has served as a key operational hub for Boko Haram splinter groups, particularly JAS and ANSARU elements.
These groups, led in the Northwest and North Central zones by top lieutenants including Saddiku, Umar Taraba, Kabiru Doctor, and Mamman Kabir, have exported IED-making expertise to expand attacks into Niger, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Kogi States. Their presence in Allawa–Madawaki and other settlements allowed them to establish clandestine cells, smuggle weapons, and enforce informal taxation on local communities.
Military sources stress that sustained clearance operations, coupled with intelligence-led surveillance and cooperation with air component, remain critical to denying freedom of action to insurgents.
The ongoing operations in Shiroro will not only restore civilian confidence but will also prevent JAS and Boko Haram splinter cells from consolidating influence in key strategic corridors linking the Northeast to the Northwest and North Central regions,” a source said.
Troops clear multiple settlements in Shiroro LGA, neutralize IEDs during clearance operation
Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 114 Battalion, in conjunction with Department of Intelligence and Analysis (DIA) operatives, have recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a cordon-and-search operation in Murubai Village, Ardo Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted on Jan. 22, followed credible intelligence regarding the presence of arms in the village.
The source said the search was carried out at the residence of one Bazoe John, who was not found during the operation. Authorities recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, which are now in the custody of the troops.
The source added that the operation comes after the earlier arrest of two suspected gunrunners, identified as Christopher Adamu and James Yangyang, at Sebos Joint in Mayo Dassa, Jalingo LGA and Tautre Village in Ardo Kola LGA on Jan. 11 and 12 respectively.
Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation
Nigeria, Aid Partners Seek $516m to Support 2.5 Million Vulnerable People in North-East in 2026
Troops clear multiple settlements in Shiroro LGA, neutralize IEDs during clearance operation
Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation
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