Oluremi Tinubu Launches National Food Bank Programme in North-East to Combat Child Malnutrition

Oluremi Tinubu Launches National Food Bank Programme in North-East to Combat Child Malnutrition

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the North-East phase of the National Community Food Bank Programme (NCFBP) in Maiduguri, Borno State, as part of intensified efforts to tackle child malnutrition and improve access to nutritious food for vulnerable groups across the region.

The initiative, unveiled on Monday, targets malnourished mothers, pregnant women, and children aged zero to six, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing food insecurity and poor nutrition outcomes in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu described child malnutrition as a critical national concern requiring urgent and sustained intervention. She noted that millions of Nigerian children still lack access to adequate nutrition, stressing that the programme aims to bridge this gap by delivering food support directly to those most in need.

According to her, the NCFBP draws from global best practices, where community food banks have proven effective in distributing nutritious food through collaborative systems involving farmers, private sector stakeholders, and local communities.

“The success of this programme will depend on sustained collaboration. We must build a transparent and accountable system that ensures vulnerable households across Nigeria are reached,” she said.

The First Lady added that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in advancing food security, healthcare delivery, and national prosperity. She also called on individuals, organisations, and institutions in the North-East to actively support the initiative as it expands nationwide.

Tinubu explained that Borno State was strategically selected for the regional launch due to its history of insecurity, which has significantly contributed to food shortages and high malnutrition rates. She commended Governor Babagana Zulum for empowering 2,000 women, many of whom are expected to benefit from the programme.

In his remarks, Governor Zulum acknowledged the support of the President and First Lady in addressing challenges caused by insurgency in the state. He highlighted key federal interventions, including the approval of N68 billion for fossil fuel procurement for the state power plant and the establishment of a College of Education.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Ali Pate, explained that the programme would establish community-based food banks in every local government area, linked to primary healthcare centres and supported by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund in partnership with the Bank of Agriculture.

He disclosed that beneficiaries—including malnourished children under six, pregnant and lactating women, orphans, and vulnerable households—would receive vouchers redeemable for locally sourced nutritious food. He also revealed that the President approved a N17 billion intervention fund through the Social Action Fund to support the programme.

Also speaking, Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, outlined the operational framework, noting that health facilities would identify malnourished individuals, issue vouchers, and facilitate access to food supplies through designated centres.

The National Community Food Bank Trust Fund was earlier launched on April 2, 2026, in Abuja, alongside the inauguration of its Board of Trustees.

The programme is expected to benefit about 500,000 households nationwide, with a focus on pregnant women, young children, and underserved communities.

During her visit, the First Lady also commissioned a nurses’ quarters and two junior and secondary schools in Borno State, and held meetings with the Shehu of Borno and other traditional leaders.