The World Food Program (WFP) has reported that the 25,000 tons of wheat donation from the Ukrainian government to Nigeria will assist in providing food to around 1.3 million Nigerians affected by soaring food prices in the North-east.
The organisation disclosed this in a statement while receiving the donation from the Ukrainian government represented by the country’s ambassador to Nigeria as part of their “Grain from Ukraine” initiative.
According to the group, deadly conflicts have displaced millions of households from their homes and farmlands which negatively affected food production and supply.
It stated,
Speaking during the event, the Country Rep of the WFP in Nigeria, noted that the donation will significantly bolster the food security situation in the country.
He said,
Furthermore, the organisation lamented the recent skyrocketing increase in prices of food across the country especially in the North-east- Maiduguri where prices of staple foods have increased by over 150%.
It reported,
In the past few months, the prices of staple foods have increased significantly thereby eroding consumer income and pushing more vulnerable households into poverty. Food inflation for January rose to 35.4%.
In the past weeks, notable food off-takers (Olam, Flour Mills) have paused buying grains due to the increase in food prices.
Also, the World Food Program (WFP) announced it is halting food purchases in Nigerian markets over the recent spike in prices.
