The Government of Ukraine has generously contributed 25,000 tonnes of wheat as emergency food aid to assist 1.3 million vulnerable, crisis-affected individuals in northeast Nigeria.
This support comes amidst escalating inflation and spikes in food prices in the country. The British High Commission’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, through Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, its Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer, announced a donation.
The donation was made in support of the United Nations World Food Program, WFP, response in northeast Nigeria.
Akande-Alegbe highlighted that the contribution was part of Ukraine’s humanitarian “Grain from Ukraine” initiative initiated by President Volodymyr Zelensky. She noted that the shipment involved collaborative efforts from multiple countries including the UK, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Luxembourg, Norway, Republic of Korea, and Sweden. They facilitated the transportation of the grains from Ukraine to Nigeria.
The spokesperson from the High Commission emphasized that the intervention with grains was prompted by the rising prices of staple food in Nigeria. These escalating costs have made basic meals unaffordable for millions of vulnerable families across the country.
Cynthia Rowe, the British High Commission Development Director, expressed the importance of assisting vulnerable populations during challenging times, both globally and in Nigeria. She highlighted the UK’s pride in contributing to the global effort, alongside the WFP, to distribute life-saving grain to over 600,000 people in Nigeria.
Rowe emphasized that this contribution aims to address the growing food insecurity in Nigeria, which is largely fueled by conflict and regional instability. She reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting measures that mitigate the impact of food insecurity, promote livelihoods, and foster peace in Nigeria. The statement also noted that deadly conflicts and persistent violence in northeast Nigeria have displaced millions of people, disrupting agriculture and livelihoods production in the region.
READ ALSO: ‘Revert to old price’ – Tinubu directs Dangote, BUA, other cement manufacturers
Cynthia Rowe also highlighted that over the past three months, prices of essential food items in Nigeria surged beyond pre-harvest levels, making it difficult for vulnerable families reliant on harvests and markets to access food supplies.
For instance, in Maiduguri, wholesale prices of red beans skyrocketed by 210 percent compared to the same period last year (February 2023). Similarly, prices of maize and sorghum surged by 176 percent and 188 percent respectively.
Furthermore, Nigeria is facing its fourth consecutive year of chronic food insecurity, with 26.5 million people projected to experience acute hunger during the 2024 lean season between June and August, according to the November 2023 Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis.
Rowe emphasized that the WFP is dedicated to collaborating with the government and partners to develop more resilient, inclusive, and efficient food systems, leveraging its existing presence in the country. Through its “Out of Conflict into Solutions” food systems approach, the WFP aims to prioritize emergency food assistance for the most vulnerable groups while also supporting self-reliance by rebuilding assets to enhance long-term food security and resilience.
These efforts encompass adaptation to climate change, ensuring timely access to nutritious food, and promoting innovative financing to sustain WFP operations. In 2023, the WFP allocated $200 million to bolster the agricultural economy by investing in locally purchased food and providing cash transfers to crisis-affected families for food procurement in local markets.
David Stevenson, WFP Representative and Country Director in Nigeria, conveyed the organization’s gratitude to the Ukrainian government for their generous donation.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the Government of Ukraine, partners, and donors for their steadfast support through the Grain from Ukraine Initiative. This collaborative endeavor is instrumental in easing suffering and upholding human dignity in conflict-affected areas grappling with rising food prices.
“As part of WFP’s continuous humanitarian efforts, the wheat donation will be integrated with cash and other essentials to address the fundamental food and nutrition requirements of crisis-affected individuals, including women, men, and children, for a duration of two months.”
“WFP is equipped and eager to assist the government in revitalizing and unleashing the agricultural capabilities of northeast Nigeria, reinstating it as the country’s breadbasket. However, we cannot accomplish this feat alone. Collective efforts are imperative to foster peace and stability, establish resilient markets, stimulate financial investments, and create employment opportunities. This entails enhanced collaboration with Nigerian private sector entities, suppliers, transporters, service providers, and retailers.
To sustain ongoing food and nutrition aid for crisis-affected populations in northeast and northwest Nigeria, WFP urgently requires US$154 million for the next six months.”
Credible news.ng
