U.S. gives $32.5M to support food aid for Nigerians in crisis

Funding will help over 760,000 people in Northeast and Northwest

The U.S. government has donated $32.5 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) to support emergency food and nutrition assistance in Nigeria, especially in regions hit hardest by conflict and displacement.

The funding will be used to reach over 764,000 people across Northeast and Northwest Nigeria, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.

Focus on mothers, children, and the displaced

The donation will help the WFP provide:

• Electronic food vouchers for displaced families

• Nutrition support for 41,569 pregnant and breastfeeding women

• Top-up nutrition assistance for 43,235 children

This initiative aims to reduce malnutrition and food insecurity among vulnerable groups impacted by conflict and instability.

U.S. remains WFP’s biggest donor

The U.S. is the largest single contributor to the WFP, having donated over $2.9 billion in 2023 alone. The agency relies entirely on voluntary donations from governments, companies, and individuals to carry out its work.

WFP operates in over 120 countries, offering both emergency food aid and long-term support to help communities recover and build resilience.

WFP’s global impact

The World Food Programme has been a key player in global humanitarian efforts. In 2020, it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its work in fighting hunger and preventing food from being used as a weapon of war.