Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday launched the North-East rollout of the National Community Food Bank Programme (NCFBP) in Maiduguri, as part of efforts to curb child malnutrition and improve access to nutrition for vulnerable groups.

The initiative is targeted at malnourished mothers, pregnant women, and children aged zero to six, with a focus on delivering nutritious food through a community-based distribution system.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mrs Tinubu described child malnutrition as a critical national challenge requiring urgent and sustained intervention, noting that millions of Nigerian children still lack access to adequate nutrition.

“This programme is designed to put food on the tables of vulnerable households and ensure that no child is left behind due to lack of proper nutrition,” she said.

She explained that the expansion of the food bank scheme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in advancing food security, strengthening healthcare delivery, and promoting social welfare.

The First Lady commended the support of the Federal Government, state governments, private sector partners, and other stakeholders, expressing confidence in the sustainability of the initiative.

“Their generosity affirms that we are indeed our brothers’ keepers and gives confidence that this programme will endure and thrive for many years beyond this administration,” she added.

She noted that globally, community food banks have proven effective in bridging the gap between food surplus and scarcity through strong partnerships among farmers, food producers, corporate organisations, and communities.

Mrs Tinubu called for sustained collaboration to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective delivery of the programme across the country.

She said the choice of Borno State for the North-East launch was strategic, given the region’s history of insecurity, which has contributed to food shortages and rising cases of child malnutrition.

The First Lady also commended Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, for empowering 2,000 women, many of whom are expected to benefit from the initiative.

In his remarks, Governor Zulum acknowledged the support of the Federal Government in addressing challenges arising from insurgency in the state.

He cited key interventions, including the approval of N68 billion for the state power plant and the establishment of a College of Education.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said the programme would establish community-based food banks in all local government areas, linked to primary healthcare centres and supported by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund in partnership with the Bank of Agriculture.

He explained that beneficiaries would receive vouchers redeemable for locally sourced nutritious food, targeting children under six, pregnant and lactating women, orphans, and vulnerable households.

Pate also disclosed that President Tinubu approved a N17 billion intervention through the Social Action Fund to support the programme.

Similarly, the Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, outlined the operational framework, noting that identified beneficiaries diagnosed with malnutrition at healthcare facilities would receive vouchers to access food at designated centres.

The North-East is among the key beneficiaries of the initiative, which aims to reach 500,000 households nationwide.

The launch follows the inauguration of the National Community Food Bank Trust Fund and its Board of Trustees on April 2 at the State House, Abuja.

In addition, the First Lady commissioned a nurses’ quarters and two junior and secondary schools in Borno State, and held talks with the Shehu of Borno and other traditional leaders.