In a major move to combat widespread hunger, the MATAN Food Bank Professionals Association of Nigeria has unveiled an ambitious digital project aimed at providing direct food access to more than 40 million citizens across the nation.
Digital Food Security System Launched
The announcement was made by the Group National President of MATAN, Mr Olakunle Johnson, at the conclusion of the association's three-day national program in Lagos on 3 December 2025. Johnson revealed that the new Automated MATAN Food Security Initiative (AMFSI) is the result of years of development. It is designed as a ground-up digital system to link every Nigerian community with an efficient food bank network.
"This initiative is a critical part of our efforts to tackle the rising hunger we see nationwide," Johnson stated, emphasizing the scale and digital nature of the intervention.
Strong Legislative Backing for the Initiative
The initiative has received a significant endorsement from the National Assembly. The House of Representatives has expressed its firm resolve to support the scheme, stating it has the potential to address 90 per cent of Nigeria's food crisis.
Hon. Haruna Gowon, the member representing Bassa/Dekina Federal Constituency, highlighted the legislature's strong commitment to food security. He argued that food security underpins all other forms of national stability and well-being.
"Food security remains more important than any other security. It promotes physical and mental health, reduces health risks, supports development, and alleviates poverty," Gowon said. He added, "A hungry man is an angry man. Food security will increase our security."
A Holistic Approach to Ending Hunger
Further assurances of support came from the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security. Speaking on behalf of the Committee Chairman, Hon. J.K. Kachikwu (PhD), the Senior Consultant, Mr Chrisland Onyemechara, promised that the House's support would extend to all 774 Local Government Areas in the country.
Onyemechara outlined the four key pillars essential for food security: the environment, partnership, advocacy, and innovation. He noted that the MATAN event successfully brought these elements together.
"If properly harnessed, these coordinated efforts can address nearly 90 percent of Nigeria’s food security challenges," he asserted. He concluded that the success of such interventions ultimately depends on good governance, strong institutions, and effective coordination to defeat hunger and malnutrition in Nigeria.
The launch of AMFSI marks a pivotal step in deploying technology and broad partnerships to create a tangible solution for millions of food-insecure Nigerians.
