FG Begins Food, Nutrition Assistance For Vulnerable Families In Plateau

The federal government has launched the distribution of food and nutrition assistance to thousands of vulnerable people in Plateau State, as part of a nationwide emergency support programme aimed at tackling hunger, malnutrition and the fallout from insecurity and climate challenges.

The minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, who flagged off the initiative in Jos described the event as more than official duty. “Plateau is my home,” he said. “This is the land that raised me, shaped my values and continues to inspire my service to Nigeria.”

He painted a stark picture of the hardship facing many families, worsened by recent floods, insecurity, displacement and rising living costs.

These have driven up food shortages, left more children malnourished, shrunk household incomes and stretched community support systems to breaking point.“Women, children, the elderly and persons living with disabilities have suffered the most,” the minister noted.

While stressing the need for urgent help right now, Dr. Doro made it clear that handouts alone are not enough.

“Humanitarian aid must open the door to lasting change,” he said.

He introduced the ministry’s new flagship programme, the One Humanitarian-One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS).

Under this approach, people receiving food will also be connected to longer-term government support so they can rebuild their lives and stand on their own feet.

This includes conditional cash transfers,livelihood recovery projects, skills training, agricultural support, micro-business loans and other empowerment programmes.

Dr. Doro announced that the ministry will work hand-in-hand with the Plateau State Government to add more vulnerable households to the National Social Register (NSR).

“Once registered, these families become eligible for a wide range of federal poverty-reduction schemes.“This is a major shift,” he explained. “We are moving from short-term relief to a connected system that links emergency help, recovery, building resilience and a real exit from poverty.

”The food packages being distributed target the hardest-hit groups women heading households, children suffering from malnutrition, older people, persons with disabilities and communities facing serious economic hardship.

“The items are chosen to meet immediate nutrition needs while supporting children’s long-term health and growth.”

Looking to the future, the minister revealed that work is already underway on the 2026 National Anticipatory Action Framework.

“This will set up early warning systems, ready-to-use funding and coordinated plans so the country can act before disasters,” he said.

Dr. Doro thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for putting the needs of ordinary Nigerians at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He praised Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang , for the strong teamwork between the state and federal governments, and gave special recognition to the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe himself a former minister in the same portfolio for the solid foundation he built.

The minister also commended traditional rulers, community leaders and religious figures for their tireless work in promoting peace, trust and community strength.

According to him, “The federal government stands with you, This is not a one-time gesture. It is part of a bigger plan to restore dignity, rebuild livelihoods and make sure no Nigerian is left behind.”