Deadline: 24-Feb-2026
The World Food Programme (WFP) is inviting expressions of interest from qualified partners to deliver life-saving food security and nutrition assistance in conflict-affected areas of northeast and northwest Nigeria. The initiative responds to worsening food insecurity driven by conflict, displacement, inflation, and climate shocks, while integrating immediate relief with longer-term resilience building.
World Food Programme Call for Expressions of Interest
The World Food Programme (WFP) seeks experienced partners to implement critical food security and nutrition interventions for vulnerable populations affected by ongoing conflict and insecurity in Nigeria. The call emphasizes timely humanitarian response combined with strategies that strengthen community resilience and coping capacity.
Geographic Scope and Target Populations
Interventions will focus on:
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Northeast Nigeria: Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states
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Northwest Nigeria: conflict-affected states experiencing displacement and market disruption
Priority populations include internally displaced persons (IDPs), conflict-affected agrarian communities, women, children, and other highly vulnerable households.
Priority Focus Areas
Proposed interventions must align with WFP programmatic priorities, including:
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Food security through cash-based transfers
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Direct food assistance for households facing acute hunger
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Early Warning and Early Action systems to mitigate shocks
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Nutrition support addressing general nutritional needs
Projects should integrate market-sensitive and conflict-aware approaches.
Humanitarian Context and Drivers of Food Insecurity
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate due to:
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Prolonged insurgency in the Northeast
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Armed banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest
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Widespread displacement and loss of livelihoods
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Restricted access to farmland and disrupted markets
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High inflation, climate-related shocks, and limited agricultural inputs
These factors disproportionately affect IDPs and farming communities, accelerating malnutrition and food insecurity.
Food Security Outlook for the 2026 Lean Season
Projections for June to August 2026 indicate severe escalation:
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Nearly 6 million people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe are expected to face Crisis or worse food insecurity
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Specific LGAs such as Kala-Balge may reach Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes
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An estimated 15,061 individuals, including 8,282 IDPs, may experience Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) conditions in select Borno LGAs
Northwest states face parallel risks due to displacement, insecurity, and market collapse.
WFP Programmatic Approach
Since 2018, WFP has implemented integrated food security and nutrition programs in affected regions. The approach combines:
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Immediate food and cash assistance to close consumption gaps
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Nutrition interventions to prevent deterioration of health outcomes
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Resilience-building activities that address root causes of vulnerability
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Strategies to mitigate inflationary and climate-related risks
The objective is to protect lives now while reducing long-term dependency on humanitarian aid.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
Eligible partners typically include:
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National and international non-governmental organizations
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Civil society organizations with humanitarian implementation capacity
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Organizations with proven experience in food security, cash assistance, and nutrition programming
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Partners able to operate safely and effectively in insecure environments
Demonstrated field presence or rapid deployment capacity is essential.
Why This Call Matters
This initiative addresses one of the most severe food security crises in West Africa. By linking emergency food assistance with resilience-focused programming, WFP aims to prevent famine-like conditions, stabilize livelihoods, and strengthen community recovery in conflict-affected regions.
How to Respond to the Expression of Interest
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Review WFP priority sectors and geographic focus
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Define interventions aligned with food security, cash, and nutrition objectives
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Demonstrate operational capacity and experience in conflict settings
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Outline approaches for access, security, and community engagement
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Submit an expression of interest following WFP guidance and timelines
Shortlisted partners will be invited to co-design detailed project proposals.
Tips for a Strong Submission
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Clearly link proposed activities to WFP’s food security and nutrition outcomes
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Use evidence and context analysis to justify geographic targeting
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Highlight experience with IDPs and conflict-affected populations
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Demonstrate integration of early warning and resilience components
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of this WFP call?
To deliver life-saving food and nutrition assistance while strengthening resilience in conflict-affected communities.
Which regions of Nigeria are prioritized?
Northeast Nigeria (Borno, Adamawa, Yobe) and conflict-affected areas of Northwest Nigeria.
What types of assistance are supported?
Cash-based transfers, direct food assistance, early warning and early action systems, and nutrition support.
Who can submit an expression of interest?
Qualified humanitarian organizations with relevant operational experience and capacity.
What is the critical timeframe highlighted?
The 2026 lean season from June to August, when food insecurity is expected to peak.
How does WFP integrate resilience into its response?
By combining food assistance with cash support, nutrition programming, and measures addressing underlying vulnerabilities.
Why is early action emphasized?
Early action reduces humanitarian costs, prevents asset depletion, and limits the severity of food insecurity shocks.
Conclusion
The WFP call for expressions of interest represents a crucial opportunity to respond to escalating food insecurity in northeast and northwest Nigeria. Through coordinated, evidence-based, and resilience-oriented interventions, partners can help save lives, protect livelihoods, and support sustainable food and nutrition security for millions at risk.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
