The Federal Government has inaugurated a community-based National Food Bank Programme to boost food security and expand access to nutritious food for vulnerable Nigerians, particularly households facing hunger and malnutrition.
The initiative, championed by the Office of the First Lady under Oluremi Tinubu, aims to reach at-risk households—especially women and children—through coordinated nutrition support and inclusive, community-driven distribution systems.
Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, described the initiative as a strategic intervention designed to transition from emergency food assistance to a sustainable, well-structured national distribution system.
Speaking at the inauguration on Thursday in Abuja, Kyari said millions of Nigerians struggle to access basic nutrition, with children under five disproportionately affected. He underscored the urgency of targeted, measurable, and scalable interventions nationwide.
He added that the initiative is anchored on strong community systems and national coordination to ensure support remains organized, transparent, and sustainable, while improving the efficient delivery of locally produced food to vulnerable populations.
Kyari highlighted a multi-sectoral approach and commended the Bank of Agriculture for helping bridge production and distribution by aggregating food supplies and coordinating deliveries to communities, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and maximizing national impact.
Mansur Muhtar, a member of the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement Lead Group, described the initiative as transformative in tackling hunger and malnutrition through coordinated national and community-driven efforts.
Muhtar commended the Office of the First Lady for conceiving a programme that blends compassion, leadership, and structured engagement to address food insecurity among vulnerable populations.
He described the First Lady as a steadfast advocate for women, children, and vulnerable groups, noting that the initiative reflects value-driven leadership rooted in service, empathy, and sustained commitment to national development goals.
Muhtar called for collective action among government agencies, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and international partners, stressing that broad collaboration is essential for the programme’s long-term success and measurable impact.
Drawing from personal experience, he described the programme as deeply significant, citing firsthand exposure to the devastating effects of malnutrition on children and families, both globally and within grassroots communities in Nigeria.
He pledged that the Board of Trustees would effectively guide the Trust Fund in fulfilling its mandate of nourishing families, strengthening communities, and restoring hope to millions of Nigerians facing persistent food insecurity.
According to him, food security is not only a humanitarian necessity but also a critical driver of economic growth, social stability, and national development.
He added that a well-nourished population enhances health, education, and productivity, creating a ripple effect that strengthens communities and contributes to sustainable and inclusive growth.
It was reported that the programme marks a shift from emergency responses to a proactive, structured, and sustainable system designed to better support vulnerable populations nationwide.
By integrating production, aggregation, and distribution with community participation, the initiative aims to reduce malnutrition, minimise post-harvest losses, and ensure consistent access to affordable, nutritious food.
The inauguration of the Community Food Bank represents a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s broader strategy to achieve long-term food security, build resilience, and provide renewed hope for vulnerable households.
