Some of the beneficiaries of the programme in Maiduguri
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, on Thursday flagged off the distribution of Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition items in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The flag-off ceremony, held at Ramat Square, marked the beginning of a large-scale humanitarian intervention aimed at providing relief to vulnerable households across 10 states in Northern Nigeria, with Borno State taking the lead.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Doro said the initiative was designed to provide immediate assistance, restore dignity, and reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to leaving no Nigerian behind.
He described the programme as a major step in tackling food insecurity and humanitarian challenges affecting millions of citizens.
“Today’s intervention is a decisive step. It is not only emergency relief; it is a deliberate, coordinated effort to stabilise nutrition, protect lives, and restore hope. Access to adequate and nutritious food is a fundamental human right, and this programme affirms our commitment to humanitarian assistance and poverty reduction,” he said.
According to the Minister, the Presidential intervention covers the 10 most humanitarian-affected states in Northern Nigeria: Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Benue, Niger, Plateau, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi.
He disclosed that the Federal Government has approved and mobilised massive quantities of food and essential items nationwide, including:
Rice (25kg): 77,118 bags
Beans (25kg): 77,118 bags
Millet (25kg): 69,501 bags
Maize (25kg): 7,617 bags
Garri (25kg): 7,617 bags
Groundnut Oil (10L): 77,118 units
Palm Oil (4L): 12,848 cartons (214,224 units)
Tom Brown (4kg): 77,118 units
Tomato Paste: 1,542.36 cartons
Seasoning Cubes: 5,509.5 cartons
Salt (20kg): 963.95 bags
Assorted essential medicines
Dr. Doro said he was honoured to be in Maiduguri, describing the city as a symbol of courage and resilience.
“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 10 states, including our dear Borno State,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria has faced multiple challenges in recent years, including conflict, climate change, and economic pressures, which have worsened food insecurity.
“Nigeria has faced compounded shocks in recent years: conflict, climate impacts, and economic pressures that have disrupted livelihoods and deepened vulnerability. In response, the Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has prioritised urgent action to address hunger and strengthen food security, especially for the most vulnerable,” he stated.
The Minister praised the resilience of Borno residents and said the support was targeted at households affected by conflict, displacement, and economic hardship.
“Each item distributed today represents sustenance, dignity, and renewed hope,” he said.
He also appreciated development partners, state and local authorities, community leaders, NGOs, and volunteers for their collaboration, urging strict adherence to fairness and transparency.
“As distribution begins, I urge strict adherence to equity and accountability, prioritising the elderly, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups,” he added.
Dr. Doro stressed that the intervention goes beyond emergency relief.
“This intervention is a starting point. Beyond relief, we are committed to building resilience, supporting local agriculture, livelihoods, and nutrition education, to move communities from dependence to self-reliance.
“Let me reaffirm our resolve: no Nigerian should go hungry. Together, through compassion, coordination, and commitment, we will build a more resilient Borno State and a more secure Nigeria,” he said.
He further explained that Borno State remains a top priority due to prolonged displacement and socio-economic disruption.
Accordingly, the state has been allocated:
Millet (25kg): 8,565 bags
Rice (25kg): 8,565 bags
Maize (25kg): 8,565 bags
Groundnut Oil (10L): 8,565 units
Palm Oil (4L): 1,429 cartons
Tom Brown (4kg): 8,565 units
Tomato Paste: 171 cartons
Seasoning Cubes: 611 cartons
Salt (20kg): 107 bags
Dr. Doro thanked the Borno State Government for hosting the event and for sustained collaboration in humanitarian coordination and social protection.
“As we proceed with today’s programme, I urge all stakeholders to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and compassion, and ensure that this intervention reaches the intended beneficiaries effectively and equitably,” he said, adding that more interventions would be rolled out in the state.
In his remarks, the Acting Governor of Borno State, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for the initiative.
He described the intervention as timely and significant, especially for people affected by years of insurgency.
Kadafur also commended the Ministry and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMIDP) for choosing Maiduguri for the flag-off.
He assured that the food items would be distributed judiciously and urged beneficiaries to make good use of them for their families.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, thanked stakeholders for their support and cooperation.
“It is a clear demonstration of solidarity with the people of this state and with the Federal Government’s resolve to protect lives and livelihoods,” Olusanya said.
Also speaking, the Federal Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, said the programme was implemented under the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Support initiative to address emerging humanitarian gaps.
“Despite prevailing fiscal constraints and reduced funding from international partners, the Federal Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains steadfast in ensuring the continuity of lifesaving assistance to vulnerable citizens,” he said.
He added that Borno State remains at the centre of humanitarian needs in Nigeria.
“Borno State remains at the centre of humanitarian need in Nigeria, making Maiduguri a fitting location for this flag-off. Your presence here today underscores our shared commitment to supporting Nigerians affected by conflict and displacement, particularly in Borno State,” Ahmed said.
