500,000 Nigerian households to benefit from new national community food bank

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has launched the National Community Food Bank (NCFB) Programme.

The programme is a nationwide initiative aimed at improving access to nutritious foods for Nigeria’s most vulnerable households.

Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director of NPHCDA, made this known on Thursday in Abuja, during the inauguration of the programme’s Trust Fund which brought together business leaders, government officials, and stakeholders across sectors.

Aina said that the initiative would reach families with young children “Six years” and pregnant or breastfeeding women at risk of malnutrition.

“The programme is set to be implemented across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.

“It will link primary health care centres (PHCs) with community food banks stocked with locally sourced grains and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs).

“Eligible households will be identified through health screenings at PHCs and provided with vouchers redeemable at the food banks.

“Families will continue to receive support until children turn six or their nutritional status improves,” he said.

The minister highlighted the urgency of the initiative, saying that while Nigeria produces a significant surplus of crops, 30 per cent to 50 per cent of harvested food is lost annually.

According to him, that is equivalent to 30 million to 40 million metric tonnes.

“This programme leverages Nigeria’s agricultural potential to ensure surplus food reaches those who need it most, improving child growth, health, and school readiness,” he said.

Aina said that the NCFB Programme also aimed to strengthen local food systems and support Nigerian farmers.

He said that by sourcing produce locally, the initiative ensures a steady market for farmers, improves supply chain systems, and enhances access to finance for smallholder producers.

He said that community health workers, social workers, and traditional leaders would be actively involved in monitoring distribution and ensuring accountability.

“The programme is a multi-sectoral effort led by the Office of the First Lady.

“It is in collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Women Affairs, Budget and Economic Planning, the Bank of Agriculture, private sector actors, and high-net-worth individuals,” he said.

He said that strong governance, digitised tracking, and community engagement were critical enablers of success.

He said that the NCFB Programme would be rolled out in phases, beginning with six states representing each geopolitical zone in 2026, starting with Borno State in late April.

“By the end of the year, the programme aims to cover all 774 LGAs, with over 500,000 households expected to benefit.

“More than 13,000 PHCs will act as entry points and food banks serving as distribution hubs.

“The programme is not just about relief, it is a sustainable intervention that taps into Nigeria’s agricultural strengths, restores dignity, and builds healthier, more prosperous families across the country.”

Supreme news reports that stakeholders at the event emphasised that beyond addressing immediate hunger, the programme would contribute to improved child growth.

They said that it would also contribute to better educational outcomes, enhanced workforce productivity and overall national development.

The launch drew participation from government officials, development partners, traditional rulers, private sector representatives and civil society organisations, all of whom pledged support for the initiative.

Observers said the programme marked a significant step towards tackling Nigeria’s food insecurity crisis through a coordinated, multi-sectoral and sustainable approach.