More than N65 billion has been realised following the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, aimed at addressing hunger and child malnutrition across the country.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Board of Trustees and fundraising ceremony in Abuja, Mrs Tinubu described child malnutrition as a national emergency, stressing that millions of Nigerian children lack access to adequate nutrition. She said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is designed as a sustainable response to food insecurity, particularly among children under six.
The programme, implemented in partnership with key government agencies including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the Bank of Agriculture, aims to bridge the gap between food surplus and vulnerable communities through a transparent distribution system.
Mrs Tinubu personally pledged N500 million and called for broader support, emphasising that collective contributions—no matter how small—would make a difference in ensuring no child goes to bed hungry.
Major pledges came from both public and private sector stakeholders. The Aliko Dangote Foundation committed N20 billion in-kind support over five years, while the Federal Government and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum pledged N17 billion each. The NNPC Limited also committed N10 billion over five years, and the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation donated N500 million.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, said states would work to match the federal government’s contribution, noting the growing pressure on households to access affordable and nutritious food.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, described nutrition as both a moral and public health imperative, while Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, emphasised the need for efficient food distribution systems to complement production efforts.
Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Ayodeji Sotinrin, disclosed that the fund would operate under strict transparency measures, including multi-signatory approvals, independent audits, and real-time reporting.
Also speaking, former Minister of Finance and trustee of the programme, Mansur Mukhtar, described the initiative as a critical intervention to address the devastating impact of malnutrition, calling for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure its success.
By Deji Elumoye
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