Nigeria’s private sector leaders and state governments have collectively pledged more than N30.5 billion to support the National Community Food Bank Programme, an initiative led by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to tackle hunger and food insecurity nationwide.
The commitments were announced during the programme’s official launch and the inauguration of its Board of Trustees, attracting support from major corporations, charitable organisations, and state governments.
The Aliko Dangote Foundation, represented by its Managing Director and CEO, Zouera Youssoufou, announced a N20 billion in-kind contribution spread over five years on behalf of Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
“It is an honour to stand here today on behalf of the organised private sector. This programme directly addresses food insecurity among vulnerable households, particularly children under six.
“Aliko Dangote Foundation will commit N20 billion in-kind support over the next five years on the provision of fortified and nutritious food products”, Youssoufou said.
She also called on other private sector players to support the initiative, expressing hope that it would help achieve “a Nigeria where no child goes to bed hungry,” in line with “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited also pledged N10 billion over five years, represented by Sofia Mbakwe on behalf of Group Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari.
“This ceremony stands as a powerful testament of purposeful leadership by Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu,” Mbakwe said.
She explained that the funds would be disbursed in collaboration with the Bank of Agriculture and assured that the company would work with partners to ensure meaningful impact.
The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation also pledged N500 million, with its representative describing the initiative as a significant step toward addressing hunger.
“Today is not just about launching a fund. It is about launching hope. No society can truly prosper while hunger persists.
“We are very proud to stand with the mother of the nation, the First Lady. The founder has asked that I announce the commitment of 500 million.”
At the grassroots level, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) pledged full institutional support, describing the programme as timely, especially amid rising living costs and food insecurity.
Similarly, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), led by Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, assured that state governments would provide counterpart funding to support the initiative.
He highlighted the growing challenge of food access, noting that a significant number of children under five suffer from stunted growth, making the issue both a health and national concern.
He also commended the First Lady’s commitment and promised collaboration with the Federal Government to align funding efforts with the N17 billion already pledged by the Federal Ministry of Health.
