The Federal Government has unveiled a N17 billion intervention fund to support the National Community Food Bank Programme, as part of efforts to address malnutrition and hunger across Nigeria.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, at the inauguration of the programme’s Trust Fund, which brought together business leaders, government officials and other stakeholders, said the initiative comes at a critical time in Nigeria’s development agenda and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places priority on the welfare and social protection of Nigerians.
He credited the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for championing the programme, describing her role as instrumental in bringing the initiative to fruition.
“I wish to sincerely acknowledge the leadership of the First Lady, who conceived, guided and brought us to this point of launching this effort,” he said.
According to the minister, tackling Nigeria’s health challenges requires a multi-sectoral approach that connects health, agriculture and social protection.
“Health does not begin in hospitals alone; it begins in our homes and communities, and it starts with adequate nutrition,” Pate said.
He described malnutrition as one of the country’s most pressing public health concerns, noting that it contributes significantly to under-five mortality, weakens cognitive development and limits the growth potential of children.
Pate said the Community Food Bank Programme is designed as a practical response to the crisis, with a focus on vulnerable households, especially children under the age of six.
He explained that the N17 billion federal support would be deployed through a community-based implementation framework, with food procured locally at the ward level to both improve access to nutrition and stimulate grassroots economies.
The minister added that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through agencies such as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, would support implementation by leveraging the country’s network of primary healthcare centres.
He said the programme would also be implemented in partnership with state governments, local government councils, civil society organisations and development partners to ensure effective delivery and long-term sustainability.
Pate called on state governments to complement the federal intervention with additional funding, saying such support would significantly widen the programme’s reach.
He stressed that hunger is not only a food issue but a broader development challenge requiring coordinated national action.
“The fight against hunger cannot be left to the government alone. It requires a whole-of-society approach where public institutions, private sector actors and citizens work together,” he said.
The minister further disclosed that friends of the First Lady, who chose to remain anonymous, had donated an initial 500,000 dollars to support the programme, with a pledge for more contributions.
He urged financial institutions, corporate organisations, philanthropists and development partners to support the trust fund, noting that investment in nutrition would yield long-term health and economic benefits.
Pate also commended individuals and organisations that had already made financial pledges, describing their support as a reflection of shared responsibility for improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.
On governance, he said the inauguration of the programme’s Board of Trustees would promote transparency, accountability and strategic direction in the management of the fund.
He expressed confidence that the board would ensure that resources are efficiently deployed to reach those most in need.
In her remarks, the First Lady, who formally inaugurated the Board of Trustees, described the initiative as a deliberate and sustainable response to child malnutrition in Nigeria.
She said the programme was designed to ensure regular access to nutritious food for vulnerable children, strengthen community-based nutrition systems and restore hope to disadvantaged households.
According to her, the food bank system will be backed by a transparent and properly structured trust fund, driven by partnerships involving farmers, corporate organisations, civil society groups and development institutions.
She said child malnutrition remains a national priority, warning that its impact on children’s health, growth and future potential makes urgent intervention necessary.
The First Lady also announced a personal donation of N500 million to support the initiative and called on Nigerians to contribute, saying collective efforts, no matter how small, could make a difference.
“Every contribution counts. A little drop of water makes a mighty ocean,” she said.
The Community Food Bank Programme is expected to help bridge the gap between food surplus and need, while strengthening local food systems and improving health outcomes in communities across the country.
NAN
