FG Says ₦1 Trillion Needed Yearly to Feed Nigerian Schoolchildren Under Renewed Programme

FG Says ₦1 Trillion Needed Yearly to Feed Nigerian Schoolchildren Under Renewed Programme

The Federal Government has revealed that approximately ₦1 trillion will be needed annually to successfully implement its school feeding initiative under the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP).

Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Tanko Sununu, made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ meeting on the relaunch and scaling of the RH-NHGSFP in Abuja.

According to a statement by the Head of Communication and Public Relations of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Attari Hope, the minister noted that an estimated ₦900 billion to ₦1 trillion is required each year to provide nutritious meals three times a week for pupils in primary 1 to 3.

Dr. Sununu emphasized the need for robust collaboration, noting that the programme would need funding beyond the Federal Government’s budgetary allocation.

Responding at the meeting, National Coordinator and CEO of NSIPA, Dr. Badamasi Lawal, identified potential funding streams including presidential support, international donor grants, private sector contributions and 5% of repatriated public funds.

Dr. Badamasi stated:

“As stakeholders, your technical expertise, strategic insights, and financial support are invaluable. Through this engagement, we aim to identify collaborative pathways that will strengthen and sustain the programme’s goals in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly in eradicating hunger, ensuring quality education and alleviating poverty.”

He further explained that the RH-NHGSFP aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at solving critical national challenges through inclusive and people-focused solutions.

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“Through this programme, we will tackle malnutrition, improve school attendance, empower smallholder farmers, and stimulate local economies—one nutritious meal at a time.”

Dr. Badamasi added that the redesigned model will ensure improved transparency, accountability and measurable results.

“We hope that it will not only serve as a national success story but also as a model for other countries seeking sustainable school feeding systems.”