The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has donated 69 metric tons of dates to vulnerable populations in Nigeria through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The handover took place in Abuja.
David Stevenson, WFP country director, said that the inclusion of dates in the food assistance package enhanced both the quality and cultural relevance of the support. "These dates will directly benefit vulnerable communities in the Northeast, where food insecurity remains a pressing challenge. The 68 metric tons of dates are planned to reach not less than 34,000 households (approximately 170,000 people), with each household receiving two kilograms of dates. Distribution will take place in Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps across Borno State, tentatively earmarked for Damasak, Mafa, Dikwa, and Damboa. We aim to align the distribution with in-kind food assistance cycles in these locations, tentatively scheduled for October, November, and December," Stevenson said.
He added that WFP would conduct beneficiary sensitisation and state-level engagement to ensure the dates are well-received and appropriately utilised. "This year, we will have reached close to 1.5 million of the most vulnerable populations in Northern Nigeria, helping them address their most urgent food and nutrition needs. As we celebrate this meaningful partnership, we also call on other donors and partners to join us in scaling up support for communities in need," he said.
Saad Fahad Almarri, Chargé d'Affaires of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, said the donation was made through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre. "Today's handover represents our shared commitment to provide necessary assistance, relief, and food security all over the world, especially in the North East of Nigeria. It is worth noting that, since its inception, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has executed 3,690 projects in 108 countries at about US$8.1 billion. It includes food security, health, humanitarian and emergency relief, education, early recovery, and charitable assistance, among others," he said.
He added that Saudi Arabia provides humanitarian support, including food baskets, assistance for IDPs, and healthcare programs such as combating blindness and open-heart surgeries, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
Nigeria's minister of state for humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, Yusuf Sununu, said the donation was a symbol of partnership and shared humanity. Represented by Jummai Katagun, director of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, Sununu said the ministry would strengthen coordination and integrate such interventions into broader strategies. "For many vulnerable households across the country, particularly those grappling with the impact of conflict, displacement, poverty, and food insecurity, this intervention will provide much-needed relief and comfort," he said.
Source: PeoplesGazette