Government gives $500,000 to help Niger

The Government is giving $500,000 to the United Nations to help feed people in Niger, the minister in charge of overseas aid, Marian Hobbs, said today.

"The situation in Niger is dire, with almost one third of Niger's 12 million inhabitants directly affected by poor harvests following devastating locus invasions in 2004 and 2005," she said.

"Our contribution for Niger will be made to the UN's World Food Programme which will ensure nutritious and appropriate food aid gets to those who need it most."

- NZPA