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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
NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online
By: Michael Mike
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said it has no agents for modification of data and that it operates a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of extortion, falsification, or unethical practices by staff or licensed Front-End Partners.
The Commission made the announcement on Monday in a statement by its spokesman, Dr. Kayode Adegoke.
The statement read: “The attention of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has been drawn to a media report alleging that some enrolment agents in Abuja are collecting money from applicants for falsification of dates of birth.
“For the records, all NIN data modifications are done online through the NIMC self-service modification portal – selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng – and no physical modification is allowed. NIMC does not have agents for modification of data and the Commission operates a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of extortion, falsification, or unethical practices by staff or licensed Front-End Partners.
“The public is hereby reminded to adhere to the approved statutory modification processes with official guidelines and fees. The Commission urge NIN holders to report any cases of extortion or misconduct through our official complaint channels:
(+234-9-134959433, 08155015388); actu@nimc.gov.ng; ieu@nimc.gov.ng
“NIMC reassures that the integrity of the National Identity Database remains secure and will continue to strengthen transparency, accountability, and trust in Nigeria’s identity management system.”
NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online
News
Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects
Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects
By: Michael Mike
Nasarawa State has emerged as the pioneer host of Nigeria’s first Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, a landmark project under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) that signals the country’s resolve to address air pollution while unlocking new socio-economic opportunities.
The centre, jointly facilitated by the Federal Government, Nasarawa State Government, and private sector partners, is expected not only to curb harmful vehicular emissions but also to generate employment, boost revenue, and position Nigeria as a regional leader in environmental compliance.
Representing the Minister of Environment at the commissioning, Permanent Secretary Mahmud Kambari described the facility as a strategic intervention to safeguard lives and advance sustainable development.
He said: “Air pollution is a silent killer. It affects the quality of life, agricultural output, health and well-being of all citizens. Air contamination does not discriminate; it affects children, the elderly, workers, rich, poor and even unborn generations.”
He emphasized that the project aligns with international best practices, ensuring stricter regulation of vehicle emissions and reaffirming Nigeria’s global environmental commitments.
“Through the establishment of this Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Nigeria is taking a bold step towards achieving better air quality by regulating vehicle maintenance, emissions and ensuring compliance with environmental standards as is applicable globally,” Kambari added.
The event also highlighted the power of partnerships in advancing environmental goals. Commending stakeholders, Kambari said: “I would like to commend Messrs Bhustan Energy, our principal partner on this project, for their unrelenting contributions to the success of today’s event. I also wish to thank the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State who… worked hand in hand with us to provide the site for the Centre.”
Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Dr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, echoed this sentiment, stressing that political will and collaboration were central to the project’s success.
She said: “Without the support, initiatives like this will not see the light of day… The visionary Governor of Nasarawa, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has taken the initial step by becoming the pioneer in what will eventually become a nationwide project.”
She further urged all stakeholders to safeguard the facility, stating that: “This Centre is a collective responsibility of all the people gathered here. It is our project and we must do all we can to ensure the safety of the equipment because it is for our collective good.”
Speaking for the Nasarawa state government, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Environment, Hussain Usman underscored the socio-economic potential of the centre.
He said: “The state is ready to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Environment to fight the pollution through environmental tests to improve the air quality in the state,” adding that: “To provide employment, apart from that, also to generate more revenue for the state. This is very, very important to us in Nasarawa State.”
Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects
Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
The Adara Development Association (ADA) has expressed deep shock and sadness over a deadly attack by unknown gunmen on Wakeh community in Agunu Ward, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 7, 2025.
According to a statement by the ADA National Publicity Secretary, Livinus Paul Magaji, heavily armed attackers invaded the village, blocking entrance routes to prevent possible assistance from neighbouring communities.
The assault left eight people dead and nine others seriously injured. Victims were reportedly given mass burial, while the injured are receiving treatment at St. Gerald Catholic Hospital, Kakuri, Alheri Hospital, and Royal Hospital in Kachia. Several properties, including a bus, were destroyed, causing millions of naira in losses.
The association noted that such attacks have become increasingly frequent in Adara communities since, despite the presence of security in the area. ADA strongly condemned the violence, describing it as barbaric and inhumane.
“ADA leadership calls on the Kaduna State Government and other relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to protect lives and property and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement said.
It added that the Adara community is ready to collaborate with government and security agencies to curb the ongoing attacks.
The association also extended condolences to the families of the victims, wishing speedy recovery to those injured, while urging residents to remain calm, vigilant, and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
ADA reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and called on all indigenes and residents of Adara land to work with government and stakeholders to build sustainable peace in the region.
The Kaduna state government are yet to visit the affected communities or make any statement on the attack.
Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA
NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online
Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects
Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA
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