The Federal Government has flagged off the Presidential Food and Nutrition Assistance Programme in Adamawa State, marking the formal commencement of a targeted humanitarian intervention aimed at vulnerable households across the state.
The flag-off ceremony was led by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro, who described the programme as a critical step in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among children and women. According to him, the intervention is part of a broader presidential directive to strengthen social protection and ensure that vulnerable Nigerians are not left behind.
“Humanitarian assistance must not end with one-off distribution. It must serve as a bridge into structured social protection systems and sustainable poverty-exit pathways,” Dr. Doro said during the event.
Under the programme, 7,000 households—approximately 35,000 individuals—will receive essential food items. In addition, 20,000 malnourished children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers will benefit from targeted nutrition support designed to address acute and chronic malnutrition.
Dr. Doro explained that Adamawa is among ten northern states selected for the initiative due to its humanitarian conditions and the high prevalence of malnutrition, particularly among children under five. He noted that ongoing crises in parts of the state have worsened food insecurity, making federal intervention necessary.
“Malnutrition among children under five is a serious issue. The President has directed that we continue from where the World Food Programme stopped due to shrinking international funding. The Federal Government has stepped in to ensure that support continues,” the minister stated.
Although specific quantities of food items were not disclosed, Dr. Doro assured that a significant number of beneficiaries would be reached through a coordinated and transparent distribution process.
Representing Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri at the flag-off, the Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reintegration, Barrister Haman Diram, described the intervention as timely and aligned with the state’s ongoing humanitarian coordination efforts. He assured that distribution would be carried out equitably to reach those most in need.
During a separate meeting at the Government House in Yola, Governor Fintiri welcomed the minister and commended the Federal Government for initiating the programme in Adamawa. He said the state is grappling with serious humanitarian challenges and emphasized that the intervention would help cushion the impact on vulnerable residents.
“The materials brought by the ministry will go a long way in supporting our people. We will ensure transparent and efficient distribution so that the intended beneficiaries receive the support,” the governor said.
He also called for sustained federal collaboration, stressing that Adamawa’s unique humanitarian situation requires continuous attention and coordinated support from the national government.
The Presidential Food and Nutrition Assistance Programme is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to combat malnutrition and food insecurity while reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations in Adamawa State.
