FIRST LADY OLUREMI TINUBU LAUNCHES NATIONAL FOOD BANK PROGRAM, INAUGURATES TRUST FUND TRUSTEES

…As N65bn is raised and corporate giants, Federal and State governments pledge massive support

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the National Community Food Bank Program, targeting an initial 500,000 households across the nation in its first year.

According to the First Lady, the program will go a long way in supporting the hunger-fighting drive of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Community Food Bank Program was conceived by us as a sustainable response to bringing healthy and nutritious food within the reach of vulnerable children under six years, strengthening community-based nutrition systems, and restoring hope where it is most needed. This initiative is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, CFR, to advance food security and safeguard the well-being of every Nigerian child.

“This program is in conjunction with my office, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Bank of Industry. Globally, food banks have proven to be effective mechanisms for ensuring that nutritious food reaches those who need it most through strategic partnerships with farmers, food producers, corporate organizations, civil society groups, and community institutions. Food banks create a bridge between abundance and need.”

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who donated N500 million to the fund, also commended other donors, including the Aliko Dangote Foundation; N10 billion from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited over five years; N500 million from the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation; N17 billion from the Federal Government through a special intervention in the Social Action Fund; a matching N17 billion from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF); and an initial $500,000 (about N692.5 million at the current exchange rate) pledged by “friends of Her Excellency” who wish to remain anonymous.

“I am delighted and honoured to be part of the inauguration of the Board of Trustees and fundraising ceremony for the Community Food Bank Trust Fund. I am inspired by the demonstration of generosity and support shown today towards strengthening food support systems for vulnerable households across our country.

“Our goal is to build a strong and effective food bank system in Nigeria that is supported through a well-structured trust fund, governed transparently, and capable of reaching communities and households across the country. Members of the Board of Trustees of the Community Food Bank Trust Fund are distinguished individuals with a wealth of experience, integrity, and deep commitment to public service. They will provide the strategic leadership and oversight needed to ensure that this trust fund is governed with transparency, efficiency, and accountability. Their collective leadership will ensure that every naira donated is used judiciously. I congratulate you all, and I thank you for accepting this all-important national responsibility.”

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, on behalf of other governors, pledged to match the N17 billion Federal Government commitment with a counterpart fund.

“Across our states, we see the pressure many households face in accessing affordable and nutritious food. More than one-third of children under five are stunted. This points to chronic undernutrition with lasting consequences for fiscal growth and development. This is not only a health issue, it is a national issue.

“The NGF stands ready to work closely with the Federal Government.”

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, stated that nutrition is both a national and moral imperative.

“Central to this mission is a simple but powerful truth: health does not begin in hospitals alone. It begins in our homes, in our communities, and it starts with adequate nutrition. It is not only a necessity politically, but also a moral imperative that we ensure that no Nigerian child goes to bed hungry.

“Nutrition remains one of the most serious public health challenges we face, contributing significantly to under-five mortality and limiting growth. Behind these statistics are real families, real people, real children, and communities whose well-being depends on our collective action.”

He disclosed that the Federal Government has approved a N17 billion intervention through the Social Action Fund.

“In addition, I have been informed that His Excellency the President has approved a special intervention of N17 billion through the Social Action Fund to boost local contributions to this community-based nutrition effort. This will allow us to decentralise social action to communities with proper governance, using public resources to complement private sector financing.”

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the National Community Food Bank Programme as a shift from “sympathy to structure and from concern to coordinated response,” noting that the initiative’s community-driven and well-structured approach organises support in a measurable and sustainable way.

He cited data indicating that about 12 million Nigerian children under five are stunted, while nearly half face chronic undernourishment. Malnutrition contributes to nearly half of under-five deaths, even as the country experiences post-harvest losses of up to 20–60 percent on some perishable crops.

“The Trust Fund provides a disciplined mechanism to aggregate resources, ensure sustainability, and move locally produced food through structured supply systems to households.”

Representing the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hamisu Mohammed underscored the role of local governments in the initiative.

“This initiative comes at a critical time of food insecurity and rising cost of living. Local governments are the custodians of the communities and the masses. This initiative is a signature legacy project, and local governments fully appreciate grassroots-driven solutions.”

Ayodeji Sotinrin, Managing Director/CEO of the Bank of Agriculture, where the fund is domiciled, outlined the operational safeguards.

“This fund is built on longevity and trust, and most importantly, to address the urgent need to eradicate hunger in Nigeria. It is domiciled in the Bank of Agriculture, Nigeria’s apex agricultural development finance institution, and every contribution flows into a dedicated ring-fenced account managed under the oversight of the Board of Trustees.

“No single person can authorise a disbursement. A minimum of three to five authorised trustees must co-sign every approval, and that is the standard we have set for ourselves.

“Contributions are received, trustees approve, procurement packages are assembled through Bank of Agriculture networks. We have 110 branches across the country, giving us proximity to most communities. Distribution is carried out through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency network, reaching beneficiaries at ward level across all 36 states.

“At every stage—procurement, distribution, and reporting—there is independent verification, and quarterly reports will be published for all donors to see.”

He introduced the Board members, naming the First Lady as Chairman and himself as Secretary, alongside Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, Dr. Mansur Mokhtar, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, and Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King as trustees.

“For us, we see this as a pathway to eradicating malnutrition in Nigeria.”

The National Community Food Bank Program will be implemented across the six geopolitical zones of the country.