Dangote Foundation, NNPC pledge N30.5bn for Remi Tinubu’s food bank initiative as total commitments cross N65bn

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Major players in Nigeria’s private sector and subnational governments have pledged over N30.5 billion to support a national community food bank programme spearheaded by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, aimed at tackling hunger and food insecurity across the country.

The commitments were announced on Thursday during the official launch of the initiative and the inauguration of its board of trustees, where total pledges exceeded N65 billion.

Leading the contributions, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, through its Managing Director, Zouera Youssoufou, committed N20 billion in-kind support to be delivered over five years. The intervention will focus on providing fortified and nutritious food to vulnerable households, particularly children under the age of six.

Youssoufou described the programme as a critical step in addressing food insecurity and called on other private sector stakeholders to support the initiative, noting that its success would be measured by its ability to ensure no Nigerian child goes to bed hungry.

Also lending support, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited announced a N10 billion commitment to be disbursed over five years. The pledge was conveyed by Sofia Mbakwe on behalf of Group CEO Bayo Ojulari, who commended the programme as a reflection of purposeful leadership and strategic collaboration.

In addition, the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation donated N500 million to the initiative, with its representative, Chijioke James, describing the intervention as a symbol of hope in the fight against hunger.

At the grassroots level, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria pledged institutional support, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Although no financial figure was disclosed, the body assured full cooperation in implementing community-based solutions.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, acknowledged the growing burden of food insecurity nationwide and hinted at substantial financial backing from state governments.

He noted that over one-third of Nigerian children under five are stunted due to chronic undernutrition, describing the situation as both a health and national development concern.

The governors, he said, are expected to align with federal efforts, including a N17 billion pledge by the Ministry of Health, to ensure the programme delivers lasting impact.

The food bank initiative is seen as a major step toward addressing rising food costs and deepening poverty reduction strategies across Nigeria.