Abuja:The Federal Government of Nigeria has joined forces with Food Card Nigeria Ltd. to tackle hunger among vulnerable senior citizens through a new food support initiative. This was announced by Medinat Akinyemi-Obe, Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), at a Memorandum of Understanding signing in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative will kick off with a pilot program, providing monthly food support to 10,000 vulnerable older persons across ten states in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Akinyemi-Obe highlighted the critical issue of hunger among senior citizens, many of whom lack pensions and family support, particularly in rural areas.
The initiative is designed to be transparent, traceable, and dignified, ensuring that beneficiaries do not have to beg for food. NSCC plans to use its community structures and data systems to prevent fraud. The program is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision for inclusive social protection, aiming to translate policy into grassroots support.
Charles Folayan, Managing Director and CEO of Food Card Nigeria Ltd., stated that the program aligns with the government’s focus on welfare, social protection, and food security. Support will come from various government agencies, donor organizations, NGOs, and philanthropies, with the NSCC coordinating funds.
The Food Card initiative will use a secure electronic system for distributing food benefits via digital vouchers. Beneficiaries will be verified electronically and can access food support from designated centers. For those with mobility challenges, food packages may be delivered to their homes.
The program emphasizes affordable, locally sourced food to boost domestic agricultural production and strengthen local supply chains, thereby fostering growth in Nigeria’s agricultural and food-processing sectors. It is also expected to create jobs across several sectors, including farming, processing, and logistics.
Folayan expressed confidence that the initiative would mitigate the effects of economic reforms on senior citizens, ensuring they are supported and not left behind.