The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has commenced the distribution of food assistance to vulnerable Nigerians under its 2026 Food Aid Project, with over 145,000 people expected to benefit across five states.
The humanitarian intervention is being implemented through the Saudi Embassy in Abuja in partnership with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
A statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation on Monday disclosed that 24,302 food baskets would be distributed to vulnerable households in Yobe, Benue, Anambra, Kebbi and Taraba states.
According to the ministry, the food aid programme is valued at more than $1.5 million and is expected to reach 145,812 beneficiaries affected by displacement, insecurity and other humanitarian challenges.
The statement noted that each food basket weighs approximately 60 kilograms and contains essential food items, including rice, cooking oil, white beans, salt and other staple commodities.
Speaking during the official flag-off of the programme in Damaturu, Yobe State, the Director-General of NEMA reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the distribution process.
He said NEMA would ensure the efficient delivery of the food items to identified beneficiaries in line with its mandate of coordinating disaster response and humanitarian assistance across the country.
The ministry described the intervention as a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s continued support for vulnerable communities in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region.
“The food aid initiative underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to humanitarian assistance and support for vulnerable populations in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region,” the statement said.
It added that through KSrelief, Saudi Arabia has continued to provide critical relief interventions aimed at improving food security and easing the hardship faced by people affected by crises.
The ministry further stressed the importance of the partnership between NEMA and KSrelief in addressing humanitarian challenges and supporting communities in need.
“The partnership between NEMA and KSrelief reflects the importance of international collaboration in addressing humanitarian challenges and supporting communities in need,” the statement added.
