Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on traditional and religious leaders across the country to mobilise grassroots support for the Federal Government’s National Community Food Bank programme ahead of its nationwide rollout in April.
Speaking at the National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health 2026 at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, she urged emirs, obas, bishops and other faith leaders to use their moral authority and community reach to ensure that no eligible family is left behind.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, will operate through Primary Health Centres nationwide. Families with children under six will be identified and registered, receiving nutritional counselling and food vouchers redeemable for locally grown produce at community food banks.
Tinubu said the programme would be financed through a Trust Fund supported by private sector partners and public spirited Nigerians, with oversight by credible stakeholders to guarantee transparency. The Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture are among key collaborators.
She described the programme as central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising that national development depends on the health and wellbeing of citizens.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, highlighted the urgency of tackling child malnutrition, noting that nearly 40 percent of Nigerian children experience stunted growth. He detailed progress under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, including expanded immunisation campaigns, HPV vaccine rollout and revitalisation of primary healthcare facilities.
Traditional rulers, represented by the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, pledged support for the reforms, stressing their responsibility to combat misinformation and promote positive health behaviours.
The summit concluded with the signing of a compact committing traditional and religious leaders to champion health sector reforms and strengthen accountability at community level.
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