EOI: Life-Saving Food and Nutrition Assistance for Vulnerable Populations in Nigeria

The World Food Programme (WFP) invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Activity One, focusing on life-saving food and nutrition assistance for vulnerable populations in Northeast and Northwest Nigeria. The initiative targets Yobe State (Machina, Yunusari, Yusufari LGAs) and addresses cash assistance, food distribution, early warning systems, and livelihoods support for populations affected by conflict, displacement, and insecurity.

Programme Overview

The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking partners to implement humanitarian food and nutrition assistance activities in crisis-affected areas of Northeast and Northwest Nigeria. This initiative targets populations experiencing acute food insecurity, displacement, and disrupted livelihoods due to conflict and armed insecurity.

Geographic Focus

• Northeast Nigeria: Yobe State – Cluster C (Machina, Yunusari, Yusufari LGAs)

• Northwest Nigeria: Areas affected by armed banditry and kidnappings, causing displacement and disruption of markets

Target Beneficiaries

• Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps

• Vulnerable agrarian communities with restricted access to farmland

• Households affected by high inflation, rising food and fuel prices, and limited access to agricultural inputs

Key Priorities

The EOI focuses on addressing immediate humanitarian needs while also tackling root causes of vulnerability, including fragility and conflict. Key programme priorities include:

1. Food Assistance:

   • Distribution of life-saving food rations

   • Support for household food security

2. Cash-Based Assistance:

   • Cash transfers to enhance household purchasing power

   • Support for market functionality and local livelihoods

3. Early Warning and Early Action:

   • Monitoring food security risks

   • Timely interventions to prevent escalation of hunger

4. Livelihood Support:

   • Assistance to sustain household livelihoods

   • Address constraints in agricultural inputs and market access

Context of the Crisis

• Over a decade of conflict in Northeast Nigeria has caused:

  • Mass displacement

  • Damage to infrastructure

  • Limited access to basic social services

  • Disruption of livelihoods and markets

• In the Northwest, insecurity from banditry and kidnappings further exacerbates:

  • Food and nutrition insecurity

  • Household vulnerability

  • Market instability

Eligibility and Submission Requirements

Eligible Partners

• Non-governmental organizations, civil society actors, and local/international partners capable of delivering food and nutrition assistance

Required Submission Documents

Applicants must submit a complete package including:

1. Narrative Proposal – detailing proposed interventions, target beneficiaries, and implementation strategies

2. Budget Proposal – using the WFP template

3. Work Plan – outlining timelines, activities, and outputs

All documents must be enclosed in a zip folder as specified in the application instructions.

Submission Guidelines

• Use provided WFP templates for narrative, budget, and work plan

• Ensure proposals address the identified focus areas and priorities

• Demonstrate capacity to operate in conflict-affected and high-risk areas

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative is critical because it:

• Provides life-saving assistance to populations experiencing extreme food insecurity

• Supports resilient livelihoods in conflict-affected regions

• Strengthens early warning and early action systems to prevent further food crises

• Targets vulnerable communities often excluded from traditional social support mechanisms

• Contributes to WFP’s strategic outcome of reducing hunger and fragility in Northeast and Northwest Nigeria

How the Programme Works

1. Call for Expression of Interest (EOI): WFP invites eligible partners to submit proposals

2. Proposal Submission: Complete narrative, budget, and work plan in a zip folder

3. Assessment: WFP evaluates submissions based on capacity, alignment with priorities, and feasibility

4. Partnership Selection: Successful partners are contracted to implement food and nutrition interventions

5. Monitoring & Reporting: Partners deliver activities, submit reports, and coordinate with WFP for accountability and impact tracking

Key Considerations for Applicants

• Demonstrate experience in humanitarian food assistance

• Address logistical and security challenges in target locations

• Include gender-sensitive and vulnerable community-focused interventions

• Align activities with WFP’s strategic objectives and food security standards

• Ensure timely delivery within the project’s operational timeframe

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals outside the specified templates

• Omitting detailed budget or work plan

• Failing to address the specific target LGAs and vulnerable populations

• Not including risk mitigation strategies for conflict-affected areas

• Lack of clarity on cash-based intervention mechanisms or food distribution plans

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?

Non-governmental organisations and civil society actors with experience in food and nutrition assistance.

2. What is the focus area?

Yobe State (Machina, Yunusari, Yusufari LGAs) in Northeast Nigeria and conflict-affected regions of Northwest Nigeria.

3. What types of assistance are included?

Food rations, cash transfers, early warning and early action interventions, and livelihood support.

4. What documents are required for submission?

Narrative proposal, budget proposal, and work plan using WFP-provided templates.

5. How should applications be submitted?

All documents must be enclosed in a zip folder as per instructions.

6. Does the project need to address gender and vulnerable groups?

Yes, proposals should focus on underrepresented, displaced, and vulnerable populations.

7. What are the key risks to consider?

Insecurity, displacement, restricted access to farmland, disrupted markets, and logistical challenges in conflict zones.

Conclusion

The WFP Call for Expression of Interest – Activity One provides an opportunity for partners to deliver critical food and nutrition assistance to the most vulnerable populations in Northeast and Northwest Nigeria. By targeting displaced communities, households affected by insecurity, and disrupted markets, the programme addresses both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term resilience, ensuring lifesaving support while contributing to food security and livelihood recovery in conflict-affected regions.