The Federal Government has launched the Presidential Food and Nutrition Assistance programme in Niger State as part of efforts to deepen coordinated humanitarian support and accelerate poverty reduction across vulnerable communities.
The initiative, implemented through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, was officially flagged off on Saturday at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, described the intervention as a people-centred response designed to tackle food insecurity, prevent malnutrition among children under five, support pregnant and lactating women, and provide relief for displaced and vulnerable households.
He explained that the programme aligns with the One Humanitarian–One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS), an integrated framework that connects beneficiaries captured in the expanded National Social Register to long-term poverty-reduction initiatives, including livelihood support, skills development, and financial inclusion programmes.
According to the minister, despite Niger State’s strategic importance in national food production and hydroelectric power generation, recurring flooding, insecurity, displacement, and climate-related shocks have heightened humanitarian vulnerabilities. He assured that the Federal Government is prioritising proactive and anticipatory measures to strengthen protection mechanisms for affected communities.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olubunmi Olusanya, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery, emphasizing effective beneficiary targeting and collaboration with the Niger State Government and development partners.
The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ministry for sustained humanitarian support. He highlighted challenges arising from dam overflows and insecurity in the state and called for strengthened partnerships to promote stability and ensure displaced children continue to access education.
The ceremony featured a symbolic flag-off and inspection tour conducted by the minister and governor, during which beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the timely intervention.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to data-driven and accountable humanitarian service delivery aimed at providing immediate relief while linking vulnerable Nigerians to sustainable pathways out of poverty.
