The Federal Government has launched the Northeast phase of the National Community Food Bank Programme (NCFBP), stepping up efforts to tackle child malnutrition across Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration in Maiduguri on Monday, First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described child malnutrition as a critical national challenge that demands urgent, coordinated action.
She noted that millions of Nigerian children still lack access to adequate nutrition, stressing that the programme’s expansion is designed to close that gap and improve food access nationwide.
Tinubu commended the backing of federal and state governments, private sector partners, and other stakeholders, saying their support reinforces confidence in the programme’s sustainability.
“Globally, community food banks have proven effective in delivering nutritious food to those who need it most. By connecting farmers, food producers, corporate organisations and communities, they bridge the gap between surplus and need,” she said.
She emphasised that the success of the initiative would depend on sustained collaboration, transparency and accountability to ensure it reaches vulnerable households across the country.
The First Lady added that the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing food security, healthcare delivery and national development.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Office of the First Lady, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Bank of Agriculture.
Tinubu said the programme would be extended to other geopolitical zones, urging individuals and organisations to support its rollout.
She explained that Borno State was chosen for the Northeast launch due to the region’s prolonged security challenges, which have worsened food insecurity and malnutrition.
According to her, the programme will complement ongoing state-level interventions aimed at improving access to nutritious food, especially for women and children.
She also commended Governor Babagana Zulum for empowering 2,000 women, many of whom are expected to benefit from the initiative.
The programme targets about 500,000 households nationwide, with a focus on pregnant women, children under six, and other vulnerable groups.
Earlier, on April 2, the National Community Food Bank Trust Fund and its Board of Trustees were inaugurated in Abuja as part of the broader framework for the intervention.
