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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
Troops arrest suspected jas/iswap logistics supplier on Maiduguri –GUbio road
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected logistics supplier to Boko Haram terrorists along the Maiduguri–Gubio Main Supply Route (MSR) in Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola that the suspect was intercepted at about 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 27 by troops of the 212 Battalion deployed at No. 2 Gate during a routine stop-and-search operation.
The troops reportedly intercepted an ash-coloured Golf vehicle conveying one adult male and two male minors.
During a search of the vehicle, the troops recovered items suspected to be logistics supplies for terrorists. The recovered items included motorcycle spare parts, tricycle spare parts, water pumping machines, water hoses, six bags of grains and one mobile phone.
According to the sources, the two minors were released to their guardian, Alhaji Ali Bukar, identified as the manager of Kaka Lawal Filling Station in Maiduguri.
The adult suspect, the vehicle and the recovered items have been handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops arrest suspected jas/iswap logistics supplier on Maiduguri –GUbio road
Female family member of jas/iswap fighter surrenders to troops in Dikwa in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A female family member of a suspected ISWAP terrorist has surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama on Saturday that the adult female surrendered at about 6:05 p.m. on Feb. 26 to troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade deployed in the area.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect fled from Tokombere Village in Gwoza Local Government Area of the state before turning herself in to the military.
She is currently in the custody of troops for further profiling and necessary administrative action.
Sources said the development was part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations under Operation Desert Sanity, a special operation being conducted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai to sustain pressure on terrorist elements in the North-East.
Female family member of jas/iswap fighter surrenders to troops in Dikwa in Borno
News
ECOWAS Parliament Concludes 2026 Extraordinary Session, Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Integration
ECOWAS Parliament Concludes 2026 Extraordinary Session, Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Integration
By: Michael Mike
The ECOWAS Parliament has concluded its first extraordinary session of 2026, reaffirming its commitment to deepening regional integration, strengthening democratic governance, and accelerating implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The session, held in Nigeria, ended with calls for stronger collaboration among member states to address security threats, economic vulnerabilities, and climate-related challenges confronting West Africa.
In her closing remarks, the Speaker of Parliament, Mémounatou Ibrahima,
expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government and the Nigerian people for hosting the three-day legislative gathering. He specifically commended the administration of Bola Tinubu, President of the Nigeria, for providing a conducive environment for parliamentary deliberations. He also acknowledged the contributions of the ECOWAS Commission, the Community Court of Justice, and the Office of the Auditor-General, describing their participation as a strong demonstration of institutional unity within the regional bloc.
Lawmakers spent the session reviewing the strategic importance of the AfCFTA, while also highlighting implementation challenges across West Africa. Participants raised concerns over persistent non-tariff trade barriers, slow harmonization of legal and regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure deficits that continue to limit cross-border commerce.
The Parliament also expressed concern about the risk of marginalizing women, youth, and informal traders if supportive policies are not strengthened to ensure inclusive economic growth across member states.
The Parliament adopted its 2026 Programme of Activities, built around four priority pillars: citizen participation, institutional strengthening, peace and governance, and policy facilitation. Legislators described the programme as a practical roadmap toward building a more citizen-centered regional parliament capable of delivering measurable developmental impact across West Africa.
The session also endorsed the 2026 programme of the ECOWAS Forum of Women Parliamentarians, reaffirming the role of women legislators in advancing regional development and economic empowerment. Members stressed that regional cooperation remains essential amid ongoing political transitions, security challenges, and climate pressures across the subregion.
The Parliament concluded by urging member states to translate legislative ideas and policy recommendations into practical reforms and inclusive development programmes at the national level. Legislators emphasized that West Africa’s future prosperity depends on stronger political unity, enhanced economic cooperation, and sustained democratic governance.
ECOWAS Parliament Concludes 2026 Extraordinary Session, Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Integration
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier in Kaga in Borno
Troops arrest suspected jas/iswap logistics supplier on Maiduguri –GUbio road
Female family member of jas/iswap fighter surrenders to troops in Dikwa in Borno
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