Saudi Arabia Donates 68 Metric Tons of Dates for 34,000 Households in Borno

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has donated 68 Metric Tons of Dates to be distributed to internally displaced persons in the northeast, with emphasis on Borno State.

The dates which will be distributed through the United Nations-World Food Programme are planned to reach no less than 34,000 households, (approximately 170,000 people) with each household receiving 2 kilograms of dates.

Speaking in Abuja during the official handover of food assistance from Saudi Arabia, Country Director of World Food Programme – Nigeria, David Stephenson, said the distribution will take place in IDP camps across Borno State, tentatively earmarked for Damasak, Mafa, Dikwa, and Damboa.

According to Stephenson, this year, WFP will have reached close to 1.5 million of the most vulnerable populations in Northern Nigeria and is helping them address their most urgent food and nutrition needs.

While noting this contribution reflects the strong and growing partnership between Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and WFP in a shared fight against hunger, he said the inclusion of dates in food assistance package enhances both the quality and cultural relevance of the support.

He said the handover is a symbolic testament of shared humanitarian values and the power of collaboration as the WFP is proud to work alongside the Nigerian government and international partners to deliver life-saving assistance.

He added that a large-scale humanitarian crisis is affecting millions of people, with approximately 31 million people suffering from acute food insecurity.

His words: “At a time of dwindling resources, the humanitarian community must stay the course on northern Nigeria and continue reaching vulnerable populations with lifesaving humanitarian assistance. 

“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 no less than 34,000 households, (approximately 170,000 people) with each household receiving 2 kilograms of dates. Distribution will take place in 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, or December. In addition, WFP will conduct beneficiary sensitisation and state-level engagement to ensure the dates are well received and appropriately utilized.”