Nigeria Reportedly Receives Grain Shipments From Ukraine

The Ukrainian government has donated 25,000 tons of wheat to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), which will help 1.3 million people in northeastern Nigeria who are affected by the crisis receive emergency food assistance. This announcement was made on Thursday.

This essential donation, which is a part of the humanitarian “Grain from Ukraine” initiative started by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, comes at a time when the cost of staple foods has increased in Nigeria, making basic meals unaffordable for millions of vulnerable families there.

The United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Luxembourg, Norway, the Republic of Korea, and Sweden worked together to help cover the costs of shipping the wheat from Ukraine to Nigeria and distributing it to the families who so desperately needed it, which made the shipment possible.

WFP Representative and Country Director in Nigeria, David Stevenson, stated, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Government of Ukraine, partners, and donors for their unwavering support through the Grain from Ukraine Initiative.

“This collaborative effort plays a crucial role in alleviating suffering and maintaining human dignity in areas facing conflict and food price increase.”

The wheat donation will be used in conjunction with money and other supplies as part of WFP's ongoing humanitarian efforts to provide basic food and nutrition to women, men, and children affected by the crisis for a period of two months.

Cynthia Rowe, the development director of the British High Commission, stated in a statement today at the WFP office: “This is a really tough time for many people across the world, including in Nigeria. It is important that we help the most vulnerable populations. The UK is proud to be part of the global community supporting WFP to distribute lifesaving grain across Nigeria, reaching over 600,000 people. 

“This contribution will go some way to addressing rising food insecurity, driven by conflict and regional instability. We continue to back measures that help reduce its impact in Nigeria, support livelihoods and promote peace.”

Millions of people have been forced from their homes, farms, and other places due to the ongoing violence and deadly conflicts in northeastern Nigeria, endangering the region's ability to produce food and other means of subsistence.

Unlike in previous years, over the last three months, prices of essential staples have risen above pre-harvest levels in a number of Nigerian markets, making food access more difficult for vulnerable families whose supplies come from the harvest and markets.

When compared to the same period last year (February 2023), the wholesale prices of red beans, for instance, have increased by 201% in Maiduguri. Sorghum and maize prices rose by 188% and 176%, respectively, in a similar manner.