The Federal Government has started giving food and nutrition support to vulnerable people in Plateau State to reduce the impact of hunger and economic hardship.
The distribution was officially flagged off in Jos by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, as part of a national intervention aimed at helping households struggling with food insecurity.
The programme targets people who have been severely affected by climate disruptions, insecurity and displacement across communities in the state.
Speaking during the launch, Doro said the intervention was designed to provide immediate relief to families facing serious food shortages while also supporting them to regain stability.
“This distribution of food and nutrition assistance represents a decisive step by the Federal Government of Nigeria to cushion the immediate impact of food insecurity, stabilize vulnerable households, and support communities working hard to rebuild their livelihoods,” he said.
According to the minister, the support programme is focused on groups that are often most affected by economic shocks, including women, children, the elderly and persons living with disabilities.
He explained that the Federal Government recognises the growing pressure many households are facing due to rising food prices and economic hardship, making urgent intervention necessary.
Doro also noted that Plateau State holds personal significance for him, describing the initiative as both a national duty and a personal commitment.
“Plateau State is my home State. It is the land where I was raised, the communities whose resilience shaped my values, and the people whose strength continues to inspire my commitment to public service,” he said.
The minister explained that the food distribution forms part of a wider reform programme under the ministry known as the One Humanitarian–One Poverty Response System.
The programme is designed to connect emergency humanitarian support with long-term poverty reduction strategies.
Under the system, beneficiaries of the food assistance will also be linked to other government support programmes aimed at improving their livelihoods.
These include conditional cash transfers, skills development initiatives, livelihood restoration programmes and support for agricultural productivity.
Doro also disclosed that the Federal Government is expanding the National Social Register to improve the identification of vulnerable households across the country.
According to him, this will ensure that those who genuinely need assistance are properly captured and integrated into social protection programmes that can improve their economic stability.
He added that the ministry will work closely with the Plateau State Government and community stakeholders to ensure that the food and nutrition support reaches eligible households across the state.
