The Federal Government on Thursday flagged off the distribution of palliatives comprising food and non-food items to thousands of residents, including women, children, and the elderly, in Borno State.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Maiduguri, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro, said the initiative stemmed from the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Intervention Programme, aimed at supporting residents of the 10 most humanitarian-affected states in Northern Nigeria.
The minister stated that the FG approved and mobilised food items such as rice, beans, millet, maize, garri, groundnuts, groundnut oil, palm oil, brown sugar, tomato paste, seasoning cubes, salt, as well as assorted essential medicines for the exercise.
“I am honoured to be in Maiduguri today, a city that symbolises courage and resilience, to flag off the distribution of the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Intervention in 10 states, including our dear Borno State.
“Today’s intervention is a decisive step. It is not just emergency relief; it is a deliberate and coordinated effort to stabilise communities and restore hope.
“Access to adequate and nutritious food is a fundamental human right, and this programme affirms our commitment to humanitarian assistance and poverty reduction”, Doro said.
Doro further noted that Nigeria has faced multiple challenges in recent times, including conflict, climate impacts, and economic pressures, which have disrupted livelihoods and deepened vulnerability.
“In response, the Federal Government under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has prioritised urgent action to address hunger and strengthen food security, especially for the most vulnerable populations,” he said.
According to him, the Presidential intervention covers the 10 most humanitarian-affected states in Northern Nigeria: Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Benue, Niger, Plateau, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi.
He explained that nationwide, the Federal Government approved the distribution of items including rice, beans, millet, maize, garri, groundnuts, groundnut oil, palm oil, brown sugar, tomato paste, seasoning cubes, salt, and assorted essential medicines.
“Specifically, Borno State has been allocated 8,565 bags each of 25kg millet, rice, and maize; 8,565 units of 10-litre groundnut oil; 1,429 cartons of four-litre palm oil; 8,565 units of four-kilogram brown sugar; 171 cartons of tomato paste; 611 cartons of seasoning cubes; 107 bags of 20kg salt; and assorted essential items,” the minister said.
Doro maintained that the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s seriousness in addressing food security, nutrition stabilisation, and humanitarian protection.
“To the people of Borno State, I commend your strength and perseverance. This support is designed to provide immediate relief to households affected by conflict, displacement, and economic hardship,” he said.
He urged strict adherence to equity and accountability in the distribution process, stressing that priority should be given to the elderly, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
Also speaking, the Acting Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur, commended the FG for the intervention and assured residents that the items would be distributed transparently.
“We assure all stakeholders that these items will be distributed fairly and transparently to the intended beneficiaries.
“I appreciate the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as all implementing partners, humanitarian agencies, and security personnel whose continued dedication and sacrifices have helped improve the lives of our people”, Kadafur said.
