THE United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Thursday announced the donation of 25,000 tons of wheat from the Government of Ukraine that will help provide emergency food assistance to 1.3 million crisis-affected people in northeast Nigeria.
This vital contribution – part of Ukraine’s humanitarian “Grain from Ukraine” initiative launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy – arrives as prices of staple food in Nigeria have risen, pushing basic meals out of the reach of millions of vulnerable families across the country.
The shipment was made possible by a collaborative effort from the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Luxembourg, Norway, the Republic of Korea and Sweden, which has helped cover the costs of transporting the wheat from Ukraine to Nigeria and its distribution to the families who so urgently need it.
David Stevenson, WFP Representative and Country Director in Nigeria said: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Government of Ukraine, partners, and donors for their unwavering support through the Grain from Ukraine Initiative.
“This collaborative effort plays a crucial role in alleviating suffering and maintaining human dignity in areas facing conflict and food price increase”.
As part of WFP’s ongoing humanitarian operations, the wheat donation will be combined with cash and other commodities to meet the basic food and nutrition needs of crisis-affected women, men and children for two months.
Speaking at WFP Office today, Cynthia Rowe, British High Commission Development Director said: “This is a really tough time for many people across the world, including in Nigeria.
“It is important that we help the most vulnerable populations. The UK is proud to be part of the global community supporting WFP to distribute lifesaving grain across Nigeria, reaching over 600,000 people.
“This contribution will go some way to addressing rising food insecurity, driven by conflict and regional instability. We continue to back measures that help reduce its impact in Nigeria, support livelihoods and promote peace.”
Deadly conflicts and persistent violence in northeast Nigeria have driven millions of people out of their homes, off their farms and across the region, jeopardizing agriculture and livelihood production.
Over the past three months, unlike in previous years, prices of key staples across several markets in Nigeria increased above pre-harvest levels hampering food access for vulnerable families who depend on harvest and markets for their supplies.
In Maiduguri, for example, the wholesale prices of red beans have increased by 210 per cent compared to the same period last year (February 2023). Similarly, prices of maize and sorghum increased by 176 per cent and 188 per cent respectively.
