The Federal Government says it will strengthen collaboration with global bodies and other key stakeholders in tackling food insecurity.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima stated this in Abuja on Monday when he received a delegation from the World Food Programme (WFP) led by its Executive Director, Mrs Cindy McCain.
He restated the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu towards addressing the challenge of food insecurity and the menace of malnutrition.
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“The president has given his commitment towards addressing the core challenge of food insecurity.
“There is a need for us for further collaboration between the WFP and the government of Nigeria on strengthening food systems and improving nutrition in the country,” he said.
Shettima said that the federal government introduced the school feeding programme to tackle malnutrition among children in line with the President’s vision for food security in the country.
He sought further collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the WFP, especially in strengthening the nation’s food systems and fighting malnutrition.
” Right from my days as a governor in Borno, we have had a very close working relationship with the WFP.
” They were there for us in our times of need, they stood in solidarity with us without playing to the gallery.
“I thank you, most sincerely for all of your efforts and I want to request for more. The governor of Borno is a very committed and upright gentleman.
”He is fully committed to the welfare of the people and he needs more support. But the challenge in Borno as it is elsewhere across the country, is humongous,” he added.
Earlier, Mrs McCain said she was in the country with her team to explore areas of further collaboration between Nigeria and the World Food Programme.
This, according to her, is with the view to addressing the challenges faced by the people.
She said the WFP is thrilled about the initiatives by the government to address the challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition.
She pledged the organisation’s continued support and partnership with authorities at different levels in Nigeria to help alleviate the sufferings of the people especially in the areas affected by conflict.
