UNICEF Nigeria Appoints Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef as New Country Representative

Dennis Gabriel in Abuja

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria has announced the appointment of Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef as its new Country Representative.

In a statement issued on Monday, the organisation said Wafaa brings more than two decades of experience in international humanitarian and development work to her new role, positioning her to advance the rights and well-being of children across Nigeria.

Before her appointment, Wafaa served as UNICEF Representative in Somalia, where she led significant strides in promoting children’s rights under challenging humanitarian conditions.

Her career spans senior positions within key United Nations bodies, including OCHA, WFP, and UNICEF, across countries such as Sudan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Syria, and Ethiopia. She has also held global leadership roles with OCHA in both New York and Geneva.

Wafaa began her professional journey in Sudan, engaging with the private sector, academia, and non-governmental organisations on issues related to displaced populations and environmental conservation. She holds a Master of Architecture from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, a Master of Science in Physical Planning from the University of Khartoum, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture.

According to the statement, “UNICEF Nigeria is confident that Wafaa’s extensive experience and uncompromising dedication will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s progress towards achieving the rights and well-being of every child.”

The agency warmly welcomes her to Nigeria and expressed optimism about the leadership she will bring to its mission.