In a bold move aimed at strengthening its impact on child welfare across the country, UNICEF Nigeria has officially announced the appointment of Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef as its new Country Representative.
The announcement, made via a press statement on Tuesday, was met with widespread optimism among development partners, humanitarian actors, and child rights advocates in Nigeria and beyond.
With more than two decades of international experience in humanitarian and development work, Ms. Abdelatef brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and a proven track record in driving transformational change for children in some of the world’s toughest environments.
Prior to her posting to Nigeria, Wafaa served as the UNICEF Representative in Somalia, where she steered groundbreaking interventions for children’s rights amid persistent conflict and humanitarian crises. Her success in navigating complex emergencies while delivering measurable impact is expected to reshape UNICEF’s operations in Nigeria.
Ms. Abdelatef’s impressive résumé spans senior roles within the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UNICEF, and the World Food Programme (WFP), in countries as diverse as Sudan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Syria, and Ethiopia. She has also held strategic global roles at OCHA in New York and Geneva.
Her journey began in Sudan, where she worked in the private sector, academia, and non-governmental organizations—championing causes such as environmental conservation and support for displaced populations. Her educational background is equally rich, with degrees in architecture and urban planning from top institutions in Belgium and Sudan.
UNICEF Nigeria expressed confidence that Ms. Abdelatef’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the country, as it navigates persistent challenges in child health, nutrition, education, and protection.
“Wafaa’s appointment marks a new chapter in UNICEF Nigeria’s commitment to the children of this nation. Her deep humanitarian insight and uncompromising dedication to equity will be instrumental in scaling up our response across the country,” UNICEF Nigeria said in its statement.
Observers say her experience in high-pressure conflict and post-disaster zones makes her exceptionally qualified to lead Nigeria’s largest child-focused UN agency at a time when malnutrition, out-of-school children, and displacement remain serious concerns.
As Country Representative, Ms. Abdelatef is expected to work closely with the Nigerian government, civil society, and international partners to scale up UNICEF’s priority areas—particularly in child protection, health, education, water and sanitation, and social policy.
Her leadership will be key in accelerating efforts to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as support Nigeria’s ambitious national development agenda.
UNICEF’s global mission is to reach every child, everywhere, especially the most vulnerable. In Nigeria, this mission is now being reinvigorated under Wafaa’s watch.
The statement concluded with a warm welcome to the new representative, stating:
“We warmly welcome Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef to Nigeria. Her arrival heralds a renewed sense of purpose in our collective journey to ensure every Nigerian child survives, thrives, and is protected from harm.”
UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to protect the rights and improve the lives of the world’s most vulnerable children. In Nigeria, UNICEF advocates and partners on programs that promote child survival, education, health, and protection.
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