Major N65 Billion Initiative Launched to Combat Child Malnutrition in Nigeria
The Federal Government, state governors, and prominent private sector organizations have collectively committed over N65 billion to the newly launched National Community Food Bank Programme. This significant intervention is designed to address the critical issues of child malnutrition and food insecurity that plague many communities across Nigeria.
Launch Event at Presidential Villa Highlights Urgent Need
Unveiled yesterday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the programme specifically targets vulnerable households, with a focus on children under six years old. Its primary goals are to reduce malnutrition and stunting, which currently affect a substantial portion of under-five children nationwide. The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasized the urgency of this initiative, describing child malnutrition as a pressing national priority.
"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 stated. Mrs. Tinubu 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.
Aligning with Renewed Hope Agenda and Collaborative Efforts
She noted that this initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and is being implemented in collaboration with key agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Bank of Agriculture. In a show of personal commitment, Mrs. Tinubu announced a donation of N500 million and called on all Nigerians to support the cause.
Government and Private Sector Contributions Detailed
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, highlighted that malnutrition remains one of Nigeria's most serious public health challenges, significantly contributing to under-five mortality and limiting children's growth and potential. "Behind these statistics are real families and communities whose well-being depends on our collective action. The National Community Food Bank Programme represents a practical and compassionate response," he said.
According to Minister Pate, the Federal Government has committed N17 billion through the Social Action Fund to support community-based nutrition interventions. From the private sector, 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 remarked, urging other private sector entities to join the effort.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), 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. Additionally, the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, represented by Chijioke James, donated N500 million, with James stating, "Today is not just about launching a fund, it is about launching hope," and stressing that no society can prosper while hunger persists.
State and Local Government Support Pledged
State governors, under the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF), also pledged financial support and collaboration. The Chairman of the forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, noted that the initiative comes at a critical time as many households struggle with rising food costs and limited access to nutritious meals.
The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Muyi Aina, confirmed that the programme will be implemented across all 774 local council areas through primary healthcare centres. 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.
Additional Funding and Nationwide Rollout Plans
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 all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, aiming to make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of vulnerable children and families.
