The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Items in Borno State as part of a nationwide humanitarian intervention aimed at supporting vulnerable households affected by conflict, displacement, and economic hardship.
The initiative was flagged off on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Ramat Square, Maiduguri, by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Doro described the intervention as a deliberate and coordinated effort to stabilise nutrition, protect lives, and restore hope among affected communities. He said the programme reflected the Federal Government’s strong commitment to food security and humanitarian protection.
“Today’s intervention is not only emergency relief; it is a decisive step to stabilise nutrition, protect lives, and restore hope,” the minister stated.
He explained that the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Intervention covers 10 northern states, including Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Benue, Niger, Plateau, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi. Nationwide, the intervention includes the distribution of rice, beans, millet, maize, groundnut oil, palm oil, tom brown, tomato paste, seasoning cubes, salt, and essential medicines.
According to Dr. Doro, Borno State has been allocated 8,565 bags each of millet, rice, and maize, 8,565 units of groundnut oil and tom brown, 1,429 cartons of palm oil, 171 cartons of tomato paste, 611 cartons of seasoning cubes, 107 bags of salt, and assorted essential medicines. He noted that the allocation was based on the state’s humanitarian needs and the number of vulnerable households.
The minister commended the people of Borno for their resilience and perseverance, describing the intervention as a symbol of sustenance, dignity, and renewed hope. He also praised security agencies, development partners, community leaders, and frontline workers for their continued support to humanitarian efforts in the state.
Dr. Doro urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items, particularly in supporting children, pregnant women, and the elderly. He assured that the distribution process would be closely monitored to ensure transparency and that the items reach the intended recipients.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, said the exercise marked a significant step in addressing food insecurity among vulnerable populations. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the process remains fair, transparent, and accountable.
The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji (Dr) Umar Usman Kadafur, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the intervention, describing it as a timely and compassionate response to the humanitarian challenges facing the state.
He stressed that food security is a moral imperative and a foundation for sustainable peace and development. He assured stakeholders that the state government would ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution process and work closely with the Federal Government to achieve the programme’s objectives.
The deputy governor also advised beneficiaries to utilise the items responsibly for the welfare of their families, especially vulnerable groups.
The distribution exercise is expected to cover all local government areas in Borno State and is projected to bring significant relief to affected communities.
Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani; the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Hon. Ahmed Tijani; commissioners, directors from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and representatives of development partners.
