…as WFP pledges $2.5bn to combat hunger in Nigeria. The Federal Government’s ambitious plan entails establishing humanitarian hubs across all 774 local government areas in the country, aiming to effectively manage humanitarian and refugee crises.
According to Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, this innovative approach will cater to the needs of the 80,000 refugees across Nigeria. She made this revelation during a meeting with a delegation from the United Nations (UN), led by David Stevesson, the Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP).
Dr. Edu responded to WFP’s commitment to support the Nigerian government’s humanitarian and poverty alleviation initiatives, including the Zero Hunger Programme and food security agenda. She emphasized that over 133 million people in Nigeria are grappling with multidimensional poverty, and WFP’s pledge of $2.5 billion over five years will significantly address the nation’s critical issue of hunger.
She highlighted “Zero Hunger” as one of the key projects within her ministry’s poverty and humanitarian response efforts, urging WFP to collaborate with the Ministry to achieve tangible results.
Dr. Edu also delineated the diverse facets of the Zero Hunger Project, including government-backed initiatives like Homegrown School Feeding and nutrition programs designed to assist pregnant women, young children, school feeding programs, and individuals grappling with humanitarian crises. This comprehensive approach also extends support to the elderly and those in need, including refugees.
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The Minister revealed that Nigeria currently hosts over 80,000 refugees, with her home state alone accommodating more than 40,000 registered refugees. As part of their innovative approach, the Ministry aims to establish 774 humanitarian hubs across every local government area in Nigeria.
David Stevesson, the Country Director of WFP, pledged the organization’s support for President Tinubu’s Zero Hunger Programme under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. He shared that 2.1 million Nigerians have already been identified as beneficiaries of the program, with plans to expand this collaboration in conjunction with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Stevesson expressed his excitement about the government’s proactive efforts to combat poverty and reduce humanitarian crises in Nigeria under President Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. He also commended Dr. Betta Edu for her immediate and effective implementation of humanitarian and poverty response programs.
Furthermore, Stevesson announced WFP’s commitment to dedicate $2.5 billion in the fight against hunger in Nigeria over the upcoming five years, underscoring the organization’s unwavering commitment to this important government-driven initiative.
