Federal Government Flags Off Food and Nutritional Support Distribution in Niger State
From Yahaya Zakka.
The federal government, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, has officially launched the distribution of food and nutritional supplies to beneficiaries across the three Senatorial Zones of Niger State.
During the event, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Benard Mohammed Doro, emphasized that the initiative, part of the Presidential Food and Nutrition Assistance program, represents a strategic and people-centered effort by the federal government to support vulnerable households, stabilize communities, and enhance food security throughout the state.
Dr. Doro highlighted that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring that food security, poverty alleviation, and social protection remain priorities in governance. Recognizing Niger State’s critical role in Nigeria’s food production and development framework, he underscored the need to address the humanitarian challenges facing the region.
He also announced plans to collaborate with state authorities to include beneficiaries in the ongoing expansion of the National Social Register, enabling their access to federal social protection and poverty reduction programs.
Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, commended the federal government’s interventions and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for ongoing support during challenging times. He noted that the state’s vast landmass complicates policing efforts, requiring assistance from federal agencies, international partners, and donors. The governor also pointed out that water overflow from hydro dams and activities of extremist groups and bandits have contributed to humanitarian crises, displacing many families.
He urged the Ministry and partners to work together to find solutions for the enrollment of displaced children into schools and to counter extremist ideologies.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting conflict-affected states by addressing food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate impacts. He highlighted that the intervention underscores the federal government’s dedication to emergency food aid and nutrition improvements for vulnerable groups.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Alh. Ahmed Ibrahim Inga, praised the governor’s support and emphasized the need for intensified sensitization efforts to minimize humanitarian crises.
The event concluded with the distribution of food items, including 25kg bags of rice and millet, gallons of vegetable and palm oil, beans, and seasonings, to the beneficiaries.
