More than N65 billion has been mobilised following the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, aimed at tackling hunger and child malnutrition nationwide.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Board of Trustees and fundraising ceremony in Abuja, Mrs Tinubu described child malnutrition as a national emergency, noting that millions of Nigerian children lack access to adequate nutrition.
She emphasised that the initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and is designed as a sustainable response to food insecurity, particularly for children under six.
The programme, implemented in partnership with 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 surpluses and vulnerable communities through a transparent distribution system.
Mrs. Tinubu personally pledged N500 million and encouraged broad-based support, highlighting that collective contributions, no matter the size could ensure no child goes to bed hungry.
Major pledges included Aliko Dangote Foundation: N20 billion in-kind support over five years.
Federal Government & Nigeria Governors’ Forum: N17 billion each.
NNPC Limited: N10 billion over five years.
Sir Emeka Offor Foundation: N500 million.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, assured that states would match federal contributions to relieve pressure on households seeking affordable, nutritious food.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, called nutrition a moral and public health imperative, while Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, stressed the importance of efficient food distribution systems to complement production.
Bank of Agriculture Managing Director, Ayodeji Sotinrin, said the fund would operate under strict transparency measures, including multi-signatory approvals, independent audits, and real-time reporting.
Former Minister of Finance and programme trustee, Mansur Mukhtar, described the initiative as a critical intervention to mitigate the devastating effects of malnutrition, urging sustained collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure success.
This programme represents a significant step toward addressing child hunger in Nigeria through coordinated government, private sector, and philanthropic support.
