Hunger National Responsibility, Not Just Food Problem — FG

The federal government has said hunger in Nigeria is not merely a food challenge but a broader health, development and national responsibility requiring collective action, as it launched the National Community Food Bank Trust Fund with a fundraising target of about N17 billion.

The coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, stated this at the inauguration of the Board of Trustees and fundraising for the initiative at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“I am greatly honoured to welcome you to this very important occasion – the inauguration of the Board of Trustees and the fundraising ceremony for the National Community Food Bank Trust Fund,” he said.

He explained that the initiative comes at a critical moment in Nigeria’s national journey under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda places strong emphasis on improving the wellbeing, health, and social protection of Nigerians, while also acknowledging the leadership of the First Lady.

According to him, under the President’s vision for the health sector, articulated through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the government is pursuing reforms to strengthen the health system, expand access to quality primary healthcare, and improve health outcomes for millions of Nigerians.

Pate stressed that at the heart of the reforms is the understanding that health begins not in hospitals but in homes and communities, with adequate nutrition.

“Central to this vision is a simple but powerful truth – health does not begin in hospitals, it begins in homes, in communities, and with adequate nutrition,” he said.

He described malnutrition as one of Nigeria’s most serious public health challenges, noting that it contributes significantly to under-five mortality and limits the growth and potential of millions of children.

Citing recent national surveys (NDHS 2023/24), the minister said about four in 10 Nigerian children under the age of five are stunted, affecting their physical development, learning potential, and future productivity.

He added that behind the statistics are real families and communities whose well-being depends on collective action, noting that the National Community Food Bank Programme represents a practical and compassionate response to the challenge.

Pate said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will support the initiative’s implementation through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, leveraging Nigeria’s extensive network of primary healthcare facilities.

“Our Primary Health Care system remains the closest interface between government and communities. By linking the Community Food Bank Programme to this network, we can better identify vulnerable households, support maternal and child nutrition, and ensure that food assistance reaches those who need it most,” he said.

He noted that the inauguration of the Board of Trustees establishes the governance structure that will guide the initiative with transparency, accountability, and strategic direction.

Emphasising the broader implications of hunger, the minister said, “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.”

He called on partners in the private sector, financial institutions, philanthropic foundations, and development partners to support the initiative, stressing that the fight against hunger cannot be left to the government alone.

“It requires a national partnership where public institutions, businesses, and citizens work together,” he said.

Pate urged corporate leaders, philanthropists, and well-meaning Nigerians to generously support the Community Food Bank Trust Fund, noting that contributions will help strengthen nutrition, improve health outcomes, and bring hope to vulnerable families across the country.

He expressed optimism that through collective effort, Nigeria can build a future where no child goes to bed hungry, and every family has the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life.