Oluwafunbi Bello 
Nigeria First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian government launches a national food bank programme targeting millions of vulnerable children and households facing worsening hunger, officials say.
The initiative, unveiled in Abuja on Thursday under the leadership of Oluremi Tinubu, aims to replace fragmented food aid systems with a coordinated, community-driven distribution network designed to ensure consistent access to nutrition.
Children under five remain the most affected, as rising food prices, poverty and climate disruptions deepen food insecurity across the country.
Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari says the programme introduces a structured approach to delivering locally sourced food efficiently.
“Millions of Nigerians struggle to access basic nutrition,” Kyari says. “This system ensures transparency, accountability and effective delivery through community partnerships.”
The Bank of Agriculture will coordinate supply chains, linking farmers directly to beneficiaries while reducing post-harvest losses that have long weakened Nigeria’s food system.
Nutrition advocate Mansur Muhtar describes the initiative as “transformative,” urging sustained collaboration among government agencies, civil society and development partners.
“This is about more than food,” Muhtar says. “It is about securing the future of children and strengthening national productivity.”
Officials say the programme prioritises women, children and vulnerable populations, with community structures expected to drive long-term sustainability.
The launch comes as Nigeria faces mounting economic pressures and food inflation, placing nutrition at the centre of national policy debates.
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Chukwu Obinna 
Otamere Gladness 
Korede Abdullah