By Abujah Racheal

The Federal Government has reinforced the critical link between food security and improved health outcomes.

Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, made this known on Thursday in Abuja.

The government, thus, unveiled a N17 billion intervention to support the National Community Food Bank Programme aimed at tackling malnutrition and hunger nationwide.

Pate spoke during the inauguration of the programme’s Trust Fund which brought together business leaders, government officials, and stakeholders across sectors.

He said the initiative came at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s development agenda, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritised the well-being and social protection of Nigerians.

He, however, gave special recognition to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for her leadership in conceptualising and driving the initiative.

“I wish to sincerely acknowledge the leadership of the First Lady, who conceived, guided and brought us to this point of launching this effort,” he said.

The minister said that addressing Nigeria’s health challenges requires a multi-sectoral approach, integrating efforts across the health, agriculture, and social protection sectors.

“Health does not begin in hospitals alone; it begins in our homes and communities, and it starts with adequate nutrition,” he said.

He described malnutrition as one of the most pressing public health challenges facing the country, noting that it contributes significantly to under-five mortality, impairs cognitive development, and limits the growth potential of children.

According to him, the Community Food Bank Programme represents a practical and compassionate response to the challenge, targeting vulnerable households, particularly children under the age of six.

He said that the N17 billion federal intervention would be deployed through a community-based implementation model, enabling local procurement at the ward level to strengthen grassroots economies while improving access to nutrition.

He said that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare would support implementation through its agencies, particularly the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, by leveraging Nigeria’s extensive network of primary healthcare centres.

The minister said that the initiative would be executed in collaboration with state governments, local government councils, civil society organisations, and development partners to ensure effective delivery and sustainability.

To further deepen impact, he called on state governments to contribute to complement the federal efforts, noting that such collective funding would significantly expand the programme’s reach.

He said that hunger was not merely a food issue but a broader development concern requiring coordinated national action.

“The fight against hunger can not be left to the government alone. It requires a whole-of-society approach where public institutions, private sector actors, and citizens work together,” he said.

He further revealed that friends of the First Lady, who chose to remain anonymous, had made an initial donation of 500,000 dollars to support the initiative, with a promise of more contributions.

He, therefore, urged financial institutions, corporate organisations, philanthropists, and development partners to support the trust fund, noting that investments in nutrition will yield long-term health and economic benefits.

The minister commended individuals and organisations that had already made financial pledges, describing their contributions as a demonstration of shared responsibility toward improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.

On governance, Pate said the inauguration of the Board of Trustees would ensure transparency, accountability, and strategic direction in managing the fund.

He expressed confidence that the board would uphold high standards and ensure that resources are efficiently deployed to reach those most in need.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the First Lady, who formally inaugurated the Board of Trustees, described the initiative as a deliberate and sustainable response to child malnutrition in Nigeria.

She said the programme was designed to provide consistent access to nutritious food for vulnerable children, strengthen community-based nutrition systems, and restore hope to disadvantaged households.

According to her, the food bank system will be supported by a transparent and well-structured trust fund, driven by partnerships with farmers, corporate organisations, civil society groups, and development institutions.

She said that child malnutrition remained a national priority, warning that its impact on children’s health, growth, and future potential makes urgent intervention imperative.

She also announced a personal donation of N500 million to support the initiative and called on Nigerians to contribute, noting that collective efforts, no matter how small, could make a significant difference.

“Every contribution counts. A little drop of water makes a mighty ocean,” she said.

NAN reports that the Community Food Bank Programme is expected to bridge the gap between food surplus and need, while strengthening local food systems and improving health outcomes across communities nationwide. (NAN)