FG, Governors, Dangote, NNPCL, Others Pledge N65bn for National Food Bank

The Federal Government, state governors, and key private sector players have collectively committed over N65 billion to support the National Community Food Bank Programme, an initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity and child malnutrition across Nigeria.

The programme was officially launched on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. It is designed to support vulnerable households, particularly children under the age of six, and reduce malnutrition and stunted growth among under-five children nationwide.

Speaking at the event, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu described child malnutrition as a critical national concern, noting that millions of Nigerian children lack access to adequate nutrition needed for proper growth and development. She stressed that urgent action is required to safeguard the future of the country.

Mrs Tinubu explained that the initiative is a sustainable approach to delivering nutritious food to vulnerable communities, strengthening local nutrition systems, and restoring hope to affected families. She added that the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is being implemented in partnership with relevant government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Bank of Agriculture.

She also announced a personal donation of N500 million and called on individuals and organisations to support the initiative.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, described malnutrition as one of Nigeria’s most pressing public health challenges, noting its significant contribution to child mortality and poor development outcomes. He said the Federal Government has committed N17 billion through the Social Action Fund to support community-based nutrition efforts.

Private sector contributions were also significant. The Dangote Foundation pledged N20 billion in-kind support over five years, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) committed N10 billion within the same period. The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation donated N500 million to the initiative.

Representatives of the organisations emphasised the importance of collective action in tackling hunger and improving the well-being of vulnerable populations.

State governors, under the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, also pledged financial support and collaboration. The forum’s chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the initiative comes at a crucial time when many households are grappling with rising food prices and limited access to nutritious meals.

The programme will be implemented across all 774 local government areas through primary healthcare centres, according to the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Muyi Aina.

Support at the grassroots level was also assured by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, while the Bank of Agriculture disclosed that additional funding, including a $500,000 contribution from “Friends of the First Lady,” has been secured.

The National Community Food Bank Programme is expected to be rolled out nationwide across the six geopolitical zones, with the aim of reducing hunger and improving child nutrition outcomes.