Governors, Dangote Foundation Commit N66bn to Oluremi Tinubu’s National Food Bank Programme

Launch of Community Food Bank Board of Trustees in Abuja sees pledges from federal government, state governors, and private sector for nationwide nutrition initiative.

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By Adebisi Adeyanju | Abuja, Nigeria

The National Community Food Bank Programme received pledges totaling over N66 billion during its launch and the inauguration of its Board of Trustees at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. The announcement was made by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, at an event hosted by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Major Contributions Announced
The Aliko Dangote Foundation led private sector support with an in-kind commitment of N20 billion over five years, providing fortified and nutritious food products. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) pledged N10 billion over the same period, while the Emeka Offor Foundation contributed N500 million upfront. Anonymous supporters of the First Lady donated $500,000 (approximately N750 million).

Prof. Pate revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved a special N17 billion intervention through the Social Action Fund to support the programme using community-based procurement platforms in each ward.

“The spending will be local, in wards and local governments. If all 36 state governors contribute N500 million each, we could bring the total potential to over N66 billion,” Pate said.

Governors and Private Sector Pledge Support
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), represented by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, pledged to coordinate counterpart funding from state governments to match the federal contribution.

Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director and CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, encouraged the broader private sector to join, emphasizing the programme’s alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. NNPC, represented by Sofia Mbakwe, confirmed the N10 billion commitment over five years, while the Emeka Offor Foundation and friends of the First Lady made immediate contributions.

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Programme Goals and Implementation
The initiative will establish community-based food banks in every Local Government Area, linked to Primary Health Care centres supported by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and managed through the Bank of Agriculture.

The programme targets malnourished children under six, pregnant and lactating women, orphans, vulnerable children, and households at highest risk, using a voucher system to provide locally sourced nutritious food.

Prof. Pate highlighted the importance of nutrition for public health, stating:
“Health does not begin in hospitals alone. It begins in our homes and communities. It’s a moral imperative that no Nigerian child goes to bed hungry.”

Grassroots Endorsement
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, represented by Hamisu Mohammed, gave full support, describing the initiative as a signature legacy project and emphasizing its role in addressing food insecurity amid rising living costs.

Event Attendance
The launch was attended by members of the National Assembly, ministers, traditional rulers, development partners, civil society organisations, and the National Health Fellows, who presented a memento to President Tinubu through the First Lady.

The Community Food Bank Trust Fund, managed by the Bank of Agriculture, will serve as the programme’s capital engine, providing a sustainable mechanism to ensure nutrition and food security for vulnerable Nigerians across the country.