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Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has inaugurated the North-East phase of the National Community Food Bank Programme (NCFBP), aimed at addressing child malnutrition and supporting vulnerable groups.
The launch, held on April 27, 2026, in Maiduguri, targets malnourished mothers, pregnant women, and children aged zero to six. Speaking at the event, the First Lady emphasized that malnutrition remains a critical national issue requiring immediate and sustained intervention.
She noted that millions of children across Nigeria still lack access to proper nutrition, stressing that the expansion of the food bank initiative is designed to bridge this gap by ensuring food reaches those most in need.
Tinubu commended the support of the federal and state governments, private sector stakeholders, and citizens, saying their collective efforts demonstrate a shared commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians. She highlighted that similar food bank models have proven effective globally, particularly when supported by strong partnerships among farmers, food producers, and communities.
The First Lady also called for greater collaboration, urging individuals and organizations within the North-East to actively support the programme as it rolls out nationwide. She explained that selecting Borno State for the regional launch was strategic, given the area’s history of insecurity and its impact on food availability and child nutrition.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, praised the federal government’s continued support, especially in addressing the effects of insurgency. He cited recent federal approvals, including funding for energy infrastructure and the establishment of an educational institution in the state.
In his remarks, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, explained that the initiative will establish community-based food banks in all local government areas. These will be linked to primary healthcare centres and supported by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund in collaboration with the Bank of Agriculture.
According to him, beneficiaries including pregnant women, nursing mothers, young children, and vulnerable households will receive food through a voucher system tied to health facility diagnoses.
Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, further outlined how the system will work, noting that identified beneficiaries will redeem food vouchers at designated primary healthcare centres.
The programme, which aims to support about 500,000 households nationwide, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focusing on food security, healthcare improvement, and economic stability.
As part of her visit, the First Lady also commissioned a nurses’ quarters and two schools, and held meetings with traditional leaders, including the Shehu of Borno.