The Federal Government has flagged off the distribution of the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Intervention in Maiduguri, Borno State, to support households affected by insurgency, rising living costs, displacement, and economic hardship.
The flag-off ceremony was held on Thursday at Ramat Square, where the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, said the programme was designed to provide immediate relief to vulnerable communities.
Doro said Nigeria had faced compounded shocks in recent years, including conflict, climate-related challenges, and economic pressures that disrupted livelihoods and increased food insecurity.
“In response, the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritised urgent action to address hunger and strengthen food security, especially for the most vulnerable,” the minister said.
Addressing dignitaries at the event, Doro said, “Distinguished senators, the Secretary to the State Government, traditional leaders, advisers, ladies and gentlemen, I am honoured to be in Maiduguri today, a city that symbolises courage and resilience, to flag off the distribution of the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Intervention across Borno State and affected states.”
He described the intervention as a coordinated effort to stabilise nutrition, protect lives, and restore hope among affected communities.
“Access to adequate and nutritious food is a fundamental human right. This programme reaffirms our commitment to humanitarian assistance and poverty reduction,” Doro said.
He explained that the intervention covers the 10 most humanitarian-affected states in northern Nigeria, including Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Niger, Plateau, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi.
According to him, Borno State was allocated 8,565 bags each of millet, rice, and maize; 8,565 units of groundnut oil; 1,429 cartons of palm oil; 8,565 units of Tom Brown; 171 cartons of tomato paste; 611 cartons of seasoning cubes; 107 bags of salt; and assorted essential medicines.
“To the people of Borno, I commend your strength and perseverance. This support provides immediate relief to households affected by displacement and economic hardship. Each item distributed represents sustenance, dignity, and renewal,” Doro said.
He added, “No Nigerian should go hungry. Through compassion, coordination, and commitment, we will build a more resilient Borno and a secure Nigeria.”
Doro also said the Federal Government is committed to building resilience beyond emergency relief through support for agriculture, livelihoods, and nutrition education.
The acting Governor of Borno State said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to food security and humanitarian support under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the intervention has restored hope for children, vulnerable groups, and low-income families across the state.
The acting Governor commended Dr Doro, the Permanent Secretary, and implementing partners for supporting Borno’s resilience efforts, and urged beneficiaries to use the items strictly for feeding their families.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Olubunmi Olusanya, said the goal of the intervention is to address food insecurity and humanitarian needs among vulnerable populations, particularly in Borno State.
He thanked state and local authorities, community leaders, NGOs, and volunteers for ensuring “transparent and dignified delivery,” and said the distribution prioritised the elderly, children, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups.
