The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the National Community Food Bank Program, targeting 500,000 households in its first year. The initiative, part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to provide nutritious food to vulnerable children under six and strengthen community-based nutrition systems. The First Lady donated N500 million to the fund, while other contributors include the Aliko Dangote Foundation, NNPC Limited, Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, the Federal Government, and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, bringing the total raised to N65 billion.

Health and nutrition officials emphasized the urgency of the program. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, described adequate nutrition as a national and moral imperative, noting that malnutrition contributes to high under-five mortality. Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, highlighted that about 12 million Nigerian children under five are stunted, with nearly half chronically undernourished, while post-harvest losses further exacerbate food insecurity. Local governments, represented by ALGON, will play a critical role in reaching communities and implementing grassroots-driven solutions.

The fund is domiciled in the Bank of Agriculture and governed by a Board of Trustees chaired by Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Contributions are ring-fenced, disbursements require multiple trustee approvals, and distribution will leverage the National Primary Health Care Development Agency network across all 36 states. Independent verification and quarterly reporting will ensure transparency and accountability. The program will be rolled out across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, providing a sustainable and coordinated framework to combat hunger and malnutrition nationwide.