FG Launches Presidential Food Initiative to Reduce Poverty in Niger State

By YM Bina

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, has flagged off the Presidential Initiative for Food and Nutrition Assistance, reaffirming the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to protect vulnerable Nigerians.

Speaking in Minna, the Minister during the flag off for the distribution of the presidential emergency food and nutrition items in Minna, said the intervention is aimed at strengthening food security and ensuring that no vulnerable citizen is left behind.

He noted that despite its strategic importance in agriculture and hydroelectric power generation, Niger State has in recent years faced recurring flooding along River Niger and River Kaduna, armed banditry, communal tensions, and climate-related shocks that have worsened food insecurity and displaced many households.

According to him, these challenges have heightened vulnerability among women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.

Dr. Doro explained that the initiative goes beyond emergency relief and aligns with the Ministry’s flagship reform, the One Humanitarian–One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS), which integrates food assistance with structured social protection measures such as conditional cash transfers, livelihood support schemes, skills development initiatives, and micro-enterprise financing.

He added that the ongoing expansion of the National Social Register will ensure that vulnerable households are properly identified and integrated into Federal Government support programmes.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and effective coordination with the Niger State Government and development partners.

He assured beneficiaries that the intervention forms part of a sustained national strategy to build resilience, strengthen disaster preparedness through the 2026 National Anticipatory Action Framework, and provide long-term pathways out of poverty.

Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, commended the Federal Government for its timely intervention and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for continued support to the state during challenging times. He observed that Niger State’s vast landmass presents significant security and humanitarian challenges, requiring collaboration with federal agencies, international partners, and donor organizations.

The Governor also highlighted the impact of water releases from hydroelectric dams, as well as the activities of bandits and extremist groups, which have contributed to displacement and humanitarian pressures. He called for stronger collaboration to ensure the enrollment of displaced children in schools and to counter extremist ideologies.

Earlier, the Niger State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Ibrahim Inga, hailed the Governor for his sustained support to disaster victims through cash donations and backing of sensitization campaigns aimed at mitigating disaster risks.

He noted that since the establishment of the Ministry on July 16, 2023, significant milestones have been recorded, including the distribution of consumable and non-consumable items to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and victims of various disasters. He added that social institutions, including correctional centres and persons with special needs, are consistently included in relief interventions.

The Commissioner emphasized that humanitarian service and disaster management are collective responsibilities and called on individuals, groups, and corporate organizations to support the ministry in achieving its mandate.

He also appreciated the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and the National Commission for Migrants, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons for their continued assistance, stressing the need for sustained support in view of growing security and environmental challenges.

One of the beneficiaries, Aliyu Mohammad from Bosso Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to both the Federal and State Governments, describing the assistance as unprecedented and timely.

The event witnessed the distribution of food items, including 25kg bags of rice and millet, gallons of vegetable and palm oil, beans, and seasonings for one thousand beneficiaries.