FG activates steering committee for national food bank programme

The Federal Government has inaugurated a steering committee to drive the implementation of the National Community Food Bank Programme, with a strong emphasis on accountability, coordination and measurable impact across vulnerable communities.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting in Abuja on Sunday, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, charged members to prioritise results over deliberations, stressing that the programme’s success would be judged by its impact on Nigerians.

According to him, the Committee must move swiftly from planning to execution, ensuring that implementation is both coordinated and effective.

“This is not about meetings, but about results that improve the lives of Nigerians,” he said.

The National Community Food Bank Programme is aimed at tackling acute malnutrition and strengthening food and nutrition support systems at the grassroots level across the 774 local government areas in the country.

Membership of the Steering Committee cuts across key ministries and agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, alongside other critical implementing bodies, reflecting what officials described as a whole of government approach to addressing food security and nutrition challenges.

The Committee is expected to provide strategic oversight, ensure inter-agency alignment, mobilise resources and uphold transparency in the execution of the programme.

It will also adopt a structured coordination framework, including periodic performance reviews, stakeholder engagement and monitoring mechanisms to track progress as the initiative is expanded nationwide.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to improving nutrition outcomes, reducing vulnerability and building resilient communities through the programme.

The National Community Food Bank Programme is scheduled for official launch in Borno State later this month.