Federal Government, state governors and leading private sector organisations have committed over N65 billion to the National Community Food Bank Programme.

The programme is a major intervention aimed at tackling child malnutrition and food insecurity across Nigeria.

Launched yesterday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the programme targets vulnerable households, particularly children under six, and seeks to reduce malnutrition and stunting, which affects a significant proportion of under-five children nationwide.

Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, described child malnutrition as a pressing national priority, warning that millions of children lacked consistent access to the nourishment required for healthy growth and development.

“Each day of inaction affects their health, growth, potential and future. Addressing this challenge is urgent and essential to securing our nation’s future,” she said.

She explained that the Community Food Bank Programme was conceived as a deliberate and sustainable response to deliver nutritious food to vulnerable children, strengthen community-based nutrition systems and restore hope to affected families.

Mrs Tinubu noted that the initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and was being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Bank of Agriculture.

She announced a personal donation of N500 million and called on Nigerians to support the initiative.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said malnutrition remained one of Nigeria’s most serious public health challenges, contributing significantly to under-five mortality and limiting children’s growth and potential.

“Behind these statistics are real families and communities whose well-being depends on our collective action. The National Community Food Bank Programme represents a practical and compassionate response,” he said.

According to him, the Federal Government has committed N17 billion through the Social Action Fund to support community-based nutrition interventions.

The Dangote Foundation, represented by its Managing Director, Zouera Youssoufou, pledged N20 billion in-kind to support over five years.

“This programme directly addresses food insecurity among vulnerable households, particularly children under six,” she said, urging the organised private sector to support the initiative.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, represented by Sofia Mbakwe on behalf of the Group Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, committed N10 billion over five years.

Mbakwe described the initiative as a reflection of purposeful leadership and pledged the company’s support to ensure measurable impact.

Also, the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, represented by Chijioke James, donated N500 million.

“Today is not just about launching a fund, it is about launching hope,” he said, stressing that no society could prosper while hunger persisted.

State governors, under the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), also pledged financial support and collaboration.

Chairman of the forum and the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the initiative came at a critical time as many households struggled with rising food costs and limited access to nutritious meals.

The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Muyi Aina, said the programme would be implemented across all 774 local council areas through primary healthcare centres.

A representative of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hamisu Mohammed, pledged grassroots support, describing the programme as a timely response to rising food insecurity and cost-of-living challenges.

Similarly, the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Ayodeji Sotinrin, disclosed that “Friends of the First Lady” had contributed $500,000 to support the initiative.

The National Community Food Bank Programme is expected to be rolled out across the six geopolitical zones.