The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, received in audience the Country Representative of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Nigeria, Ms Katrien Ghoos, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, who presented her Letter of Commission to the Minister. The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the World Food Programme, particularly in areas such as food security, humanitarian assistance, nutrition, resilience-building, and sustainable development.
The Honourable Minister commended the World Food Programme for its continued support to Nigeria, especially in providing life-saving assistance to vulnerable populations affected by humanitarian challenges. She acknowledged the critical role played by the Organisation in complementing the efforts of the Federal Government to improve food security, strengthen community resilience, and promote sustainable livelihoods. Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with the World Food Programme and other international partners to address the root causes of food insecurity through coordinated humanitarian and development interventions. She emphasised that Nigeria remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships that advance national development priorities, while ensuring that vulnerable communities receive the support they need. The Honourable Minister further accentuated the importance of integrating humanitarian assistance with long-term development strategies aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, improving rural livelihoods, promoting economic inclusion, and strengthening resilience against climate-related and other emerging challenges.
Speaking during the meeting, the WFP Country Representative, Ms Katrien Ghoos, reaffirmed the Organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts towards achieving food security and sustainable development. She commended the Federal Government for its continued collaboration with the World Food Programme and expressed WFP’s readiness to deepen cooperation with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies in delivering impactful programmes across the country.
Both parties also exchanged views on strengthening institutional collaboration, enhancing coordination in humanitarian response, mobilising greater international support for food security initiatives, and exploring innovative approaches to improving nutrition and resilience among vulnerable populations.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further deepen the partnership between Nigeria and the World Food Programme in support of the Federal Government’s development agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the goal of ending hunger and promoting food security for all Nigerians.
Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Thursday, 2 July 2026
