United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has appointed Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef as its new country representative in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by Susan Akila, UNICEF Nigeria’s communication and advocacy specialist.
Akila described Abdelatef as a seasoned international development professional with over two decades of experience in humanitarian and development work.
Wafaa brings extensive expertise and leadership to UNICEF’s efforts in Nigeria, which aim to improve the lives of children and their communities across the country.
Prior to her new posting, Abdelatef served as UNICEF’s Country Representative in Somalia, where she recorded significant achievements in promoting children’s rights and welfare in a highly complex humanitarian environment.
Her career with the United Nations spans various senior roles in multiple agencies—including UNICEF, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the World Food Programme (WFP)—across several countries including Sudan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Syria, and Ethiopia. She has also held strategic leadership roles at the global level with OCHA in both New York and Geneva.
Abdelatef began her professional career in Sudan, engaging with the private sector, academia, and non-governmental organisations on displaced populations and environmental sustainability issues.
She holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, a Master of Science in Physical Planning from the University of Khartoum, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture.
UNICEF Nigeria expressed confidence in her ability to lead its operations in the country, noting that her background in programme management, coordination, and strategic planning in both development and humanitarian settings will be invaluable to its mission.
