The Federal Government, state governors and leading private sector organisations have committed over N65 billion to the National Community Food Bank Programme, a major intervention aimed at tackling child malnutrition and food insecurity across Nigeria.
The programme, launched on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, targets vulnerable households, particularly children under six, and seeks to reduce malnutrition and stunting, which affects a significant proportion of under-five children nationwide.
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, described child malnutrition as a pressing national priority, warning that millions of children lack consistent access to the nourishment required for healthy growth and development.
“Each day of inaction affects their health, growth, potential and future. Addressing this challenge is urgent and essential to securing our nation’s future,” she said.
She explained that the Community Food Bank Programme was conceived as a deliberate and sustainable response to deliver nutritious food to vulnerable children, strengthen community-based nutrition systems and restore hope to affected families.
The First Lady noted that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Bank of Agriculture.
“Our goal is to build a strong and effective food bank system in Nigeria that is supported through a well-structured Trust Fund, governed transparently and capable of reaching communities and households across the country,” she added.
She announced a personal donation of N500 million and called on Nigerians to support the initiative.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said malnutrition remains one of Nigeria’s most serious public health challenges, contributing significantly to under-five mortality and limiting children’s growth and potential.
“Behind these statistics are real families and communities whose wellbeing depends on our collective action. The National Community Food Bank Programme represents a practical and compassionate response,” he said.
He disclosed that the Federal Government has committed N17 billion through the Social Action Fund to support community-based nutrition interventions.
According to him, the programme will be implemented through a decentralised, community-based system using primary healthcare platforms, enabling local sourcing of nutritious food while stimulating grassroots economies.
Pate called on state governments to complement federal efforts, stressing that improving nutrition outcomes requires coordinated, multi-sectoral collaboration.
Major private sector stakeholders also announced significant contributions to the initiative.
The Dangote Foundation, represented by its Managing Director, Zouera Youssoufou, pledged N20 billion in-kind support over five years.
“This programme directly addresses food insecurity among vulnerable households, particularly children under six,” she said, urging the organised private sector to support the initiative.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, represented by Sofia Mbakwe on behalf of Group Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari, committed N10 billion over five years.
Mbakwe described the initiative as a reflection of purposeful leadership and pledged the company’s support to ensure measurable impact.
Also, the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, represented by Chijioke James, donated N500 million.
“Today is not just about launching a fund, it is about launching hope,” he said, stressing that no society can prosper while hunger persists.
State governors, under the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), also pledged financial support and collaboration.
Chairman of the forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the initiative comes at a critical time as many households struggle with rising food costs and limited access to nutritious meals.
“This is not only a health issue; it is a national issue,” he said, noting that more than one-third of children under five are affected by stunting.
He assured that governors would provide counterpart funding and work closely with the Federal Government to ensure effective implementation.
Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Muyi Aina, said the programme would be implemented across all 774 local government areas through primary healthcare centres.
He explained that beneficiaries, including children aged 0-6 years and malnourished pregnant or breastfeeding women, would be identified through health screenings and supported with vouchers redeemable at designated food banks.
The initiative will adopt a community-based approach to ensure efficient and localised delivery of nutritious food.
A representative of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hamisu Mohammed, pledged grassroots support, describing the programme as a timely response to rising food insecurity and cost of living challenges.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Ayodeji Sotinrin, disclosed that “Friends of the First Lady” had contributed $500,000 to support the initiative.
The National Community Food Bank Programme is expected to be rolled out across the six geopolitical zones, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the initiative will significantly reduce hunger, improve child health outcomes and enhance the wellbeing of millions of Nigerians.
