The Federal Government says hunger in Nigeria is not only a food security issue but a wider health, development, and national responsibility that requires collective action.
This was stated as the government launched the National Community Food Bank Trust Fund, targeting N17 billion in fundraising.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, made the remarks at the inauguration of the Board of Trustees and fundraising ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Pate said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises social protection, improved well-being, and inclusive health reforms.
He noted that the administration’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative seeks to strengthen the health system, expand access to quality primary healthcare, and improve outcomes nationwide.
“Health does not begin in hospitals. It begins in homes, in communities, and with adequate nutrition,” he said, stressing that malnutrition remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing public health challenges.
Citing the 2023/24 NDHS survey, the minister revealed that four in 10 Nigerian children under five are stunted, limiting their physical growth, learning ability, and future productivity.
He added that behind the statistics are real families whose survival depends on coordinated national action.
The National Community Food Bank Programme, he said, offers a practical, community-driven response to hunger and malnutrition.
The Federal Ministry of Health will support its rollout through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, using the country’s extensive primary healthcare network to identify vulnerable households and channel food and nutrition support.
He emphasised that establishing the Board of Trustees provides the governance framework needed to ensure transparency, accountability, and strategic implementation.
“Hunger is not just a food problem — it is a health problem, a development problem, and ultimately a national responsibility we must all confront together,” Pate stated.
The minister urged private sector players, financial institutions, philanthropists, and development partners to support the initiative, saying the fight against hunger cannot be left to government alone.
He encouraged corporate leaders and well-meaning Nigerians to donate generously to the Trust Fund, noting that their contributions would help improve nutrition, boost health outcomes, and bring relief to vulnerable families.
Pate expressed optimism that with collective effort, Nigeria can build a future where no child goes to bed hungry and every family has the opportunity to lead a healthy, productive life.