First Lady Launches National Food Bank Trust Fund, Commits ₦500m to Fight Malnutrition
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the National Community Food Bank Trust Fund and inaugurated its Board of Trustees, committing ₦500 million in personal support to boost efforts aimed at tackling malnutrition and improving access to nutritious food for vulnerable households across the country.
The development was contained in a press release issued by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, on April 2, 2026.
Speaking at the launch held at the State House in Abuja, the First Lady expressed delight at the level of support received for the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward strengthening food systems nationwide. She highlighted the urgency of addressing malnutrition, stating that “child malnutrition in Nigeria remains a current national priority, with millions of children in need of consistent access to the nourishment required for healthy growth and development.”
She warned that “our inaction affects their health, growth, potential, and future,” stressing that addressing the challenge “is both urgent and essential to securing the nation’s future.”
Senator Tinubu explained that the programme was designed as a sustainable intervention to improve food access, noting that the initiative aims to “bring healthy and nutritious food within the reach of vulnerable children under 16” while strengthening “community-based nutrition systems and restore food equity in communities.”
She added that “this initiative is in line with the meaningful agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to advance food security and safeguard the well-being of indigenous children.”
The First Lady further underscored the importance of partnerships, noting that “globally, food banks have proven to be an effective mechanism for ensuring that nutritious food reaches those who need it most through strategic partnerships with farmers, food producers, corporate organizations, civil society groups, and community institutions.”
While inaugurating the Board of Trustees, she described members as individuals of proven integrity and experience, expressing confidence that they would ensure the fund is managed with “transparency, efficiency, and accountability.”
“I congratulate you all and thank you for accepting this important national responsibility. Also, I applaud the individuals and organizations that have already demonstrated confidence in this initiative through their generous pledges and donations,” she said.
She also called on more stakeholders to support the initiative as it expands nationwide.
Earlier, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, described the programme as timely, noting that it aligns with the administration’s focus on improving citizens’ welfare. He commended the First Lady’s leadership, stating that the initiative reflects the President’s vision for strengthening the health sector.
Pate added that ongoing reforms in the health sector are aimed at improving outcomes, emphasizing that expanded access to primary healthcare services would enhance the wellbeing of Nigerians.
He further disclosed that the programme has already attracted significant funding, including $500,000 from anonymous donors and ₦17 billion from the Federal Government through the Social Action Fund.
Major corporate donors also pledged substantial support, with the Dangote Foundation committing ₦20 billion, NNPC Ltd pledging ₦10 billion, and the Emeka Foundation donating ₦500 million, to be disbursed over five years.
The National Community Food Bank Programme is expected to roll out across the six geopolitical zones between April and June 2026, with full implementation planned in all 774 local government areas from July to December 2026.
