Africa-Press – Liberia. The National Food Assistance Agency (NFAA) has reaffirmed its legal authority and expanding role in combating food insecurity across Liberia.
At a press conference on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in Monrovia, Deputy Director for Operations Elton S. Dickson—speaking on behalf of the Board, Management, and staff—announced that the agency reached a historic milestone on June 17, 2025, when it was formally enacted into law as an autonomous institution after operating under Executive Orders since the 1970s.
Dickson explained that this official status gives the NFAA the mandate to lead, coordinate, and regulate all food assistance programs nationwide, ensuring effective, transparent, and credible support to Liberia’s most vulnerable populations.
He highlighted that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. underscored the agency’s significance during his recent State of the Nation Address.
Dickson disclosed that the NFAA recently received USD 50,000 from the African Union, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to support an emergency feeding program in eight counties. This initiative benefited 4,440 people across 38 institutions, including orphanages, prisons, hospitals, disability centers, and homes for the elderly, with distributed food items such as rice, vegetable oil, and palm oil.
Additionally, the agency distributed 200 bags of locally produced rice from the Ministry of Agriculture to vulnerable groups in Monrovia and surrounding areas. Dickson also acknowledged earlier support from NASSCORP, which reached over 2,200 students, patients, inmates, and children with special needs.
He further announced the signing of a Letter of Agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on January 21, 2026, to develop a five-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening food assistance delivery and reducing food insecurity.
Meanwhile, Dickson confirmed that the National Legislature appropriated USD 950,000 to support home-grown school feeding programs, describing the allocation as a strong commitment to child nutrition and support for local farmers. However, he clarified that the funds were mistakenly placed under the Ministry of Agriculture and that efforts are underway with the Ministry of Finance to correct the error.
Dickson expressed gratitude to President Boakai, the National Legislature, development partners, and private contributors for their support. He called on all government institutions and partners to channel food assistance interventions through the NFAA, the sole agency legally mandated to coordinate food assistance in Liberia.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
