UNICEF Nigeria has officially announced the appointment of Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef as its new Country Representative. With over two decades of dedicated service in international humanitarian and development work, Wafaa is poised to lead the agency’s ongoing efforts to improve the lives of children and communities across Nigeria.
In a press release issued by the United Nations body, UNICEF highlighted Wafaa’s rich background in advancing children’s rights. “Wafaa brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Nigeria’s efforts to improve the lives of children and communities across the country,” the statement reads.
Before her appointment in Nigeria, Wafaa served as the UNICEF Representative in Somalia, where she played a pivotal role in promoting children’s rights and welfare in a challenging humanitarian context. Her tenure in Somalia was marked by significant achievements, including navigating complex issues to provide effective support to vulnerable populations.
Wafaa’s extensive career includes senior positions within several key UN agencies, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UNICEF, and the World Food Programme (WFP). Her work has spanned countries such as Sudan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Syria, and Ethiopia, where she managed large-scale humanitarian projects. At the global level, she has contributed her expertise in leadership roles with OCHA in both New York and Geneva.
Her professional journey began in Sudan, where she engaged with the private sector, academia, and non-governmental organizations to address issues concerning displaced populations and environmental conservation. She holds a Master of Architecture from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, a Master of Science in Physical Planning from the University of Khartoum, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture.
During her time as UNICEF Somalia Representative, Wafaa demonstrated remarkable leadership in advancing the organization’s mission amidst one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the region. Her expertise in program management, strategic planning, and coordination has been critical in bridging the gap between humanitarian aid and long-term development efforts.
UNICEF Nigeria expressed confidence in Wafaa’s ability to contribute significantly to the country’s progress towards achieving the rights and well-being of every child. The organization warmly welcomed her, stating, “We are confident that Wafaa’s extensive experience and uncompromising dedication will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s progress.”
Wafaa’s appointment comes at a time when UNICEF Nigeria is intensifying its efforts to support vulnerable children and families, with a focus on improving access to education, health, and protection services.
As the new Country Representative, Wafaa is expected to continue building on the achievements of her predecessors, while also addressing the unique challenges faced by Nigeria’s children, including those affected by conflict, poverty, and climate change.
