Over N65 billion has been mobilised for the National Community Food Bank Programme, aimed at solving the pressing demand for eradicating hunger and tackling malnutrition in Nigeria.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, made the announcement during his keynote address during the inauguration of the Board of Trustees and Fundraising for the National Community Food Bank Trust Fund at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said the Aliko Dangote Foundation led private sector contributions with a N20bn commitment spread over five years, followed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s NNPCL pledge of N10bn over the same period.
The Emeka Offor Foundation pledged N500m, while anonymous friends of the First Lady contributed $500,000.
Pate announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved a special intervention of N17bn through the Social Action Fund to support the programme.
The Minister fingered malnutrition as one of Nigeria’s most serious public health challenges, adding that the initiative comes at an important moment when the Renewed Hope Agenda places strong emphasis on improving the wellbeing, health, and social protection of Nigerians.
He said the program would be articulated through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, adding “we are pursuing bold reforms to strengthen our health system, expand access to quality primary healthcare, and improve health outcomes for millions of Nigerians.
He said, “Malnutrition remains one of Nigeria’s most serious public health challenges, contributing significantly to under-five mortality and limiting the growth and potential of millions of children. Recent national surveys (NDHS 2023/24) indicate that about four in ten Nigerian children under the age of five are stunted, affecting their physical development, learning potential, and future productivity.
“Behind these statistics are real families and communities whose wellbeing depends on our collective action. The National Community Food Bank Programme therefore represents a practical and compassionate response to this challenge.”
He also called on partners in the private sector, financial institutions, philanthropic foundations, and development partners to join the program as the fight against hunger, saying it cannot be left to government alone.
The Community Food Bank Trust Fund, is an initiative led by the First Lady in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), and Bank of Agriculture.
The First Lady also announced her own N500 million contribution, saying she was delighted and honored to be part of the inauguration of the Board of Trustees and Fundraising for the Trust Fund.
“I am inspired by the demonstration of generosity and support shown today towards strengthening food support systems for vulnerable households across our country.”
Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director and CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, said the programme directly addresses food insecurity among vulnerable households, particularly children under six.
She urged other corporate actors to join: “I would like to call on the entire organised private sector to actively support this programme. Success means a Nigeria where no child goes to bed hungry.”
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, pledged to confer with fellow governors on the counterpart funding.