Lagos: The MATAN Food Bank Professionals Association of Nigeria has unveiled its Automated MATAN Food Security Initiative (AMFSI), aiming to provide direct food access to over 40 million Nigerians. This announcement was made by Mr. Olakunle Johnson, the Group National President of MATAN, during the conclusion of the organization’s three-day national program in Lagos. This initiative is part of their efforts to combat the escalating hunger crisis across the nation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative involves a comprehensive digital food security system that has been meticulously developed to connect communities across Nigeria to an efficient food bank network. Central to this development is the Virtual Digital Identity (VDI) platform, designed to overcome historical challenges that have obstructed food support systems. This platform, combined with MATAN’s automated system, ensures that individuals in each community are digitally identified and linked to local food banks and community kitchens.
Johnson emphasized that this project is a private sector-driven initiative, firmly rooted in digitalization, community involvement, and nationwide collaboration, rather than a mere political promise. He stated that the initiative has been tested and presented to relevant authorities, including the Office of the President. The initiative is also supported by discussions with local and international investors, while government bodies across federal, state, and local levels will provide supervisory roles.
He highlighted the decentralization of food access through this system, enabling individuals to easily access their community food banks or kitchens using their digital identity. This launch marks the second phase of MATAN’s broader food security agenda, following successful advocacy and policy efforts.
Rep. Gowon Haruna, representing Bassa/Dekina Federal Constituency, expressed the National Assembly’s full support for MATAN’s initiative, emphasizing the crucial role of food security in national development. He assured that the legislature would provide the necessary legal framework for this nationwide intervention.
Mr. Chris-lands Onyemechara, Senior Consultant for the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, also pledged support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of coverage across all 774 local government areas. Chief Charles Igwenagu, South-East General Secretary of the group, and Dr. Felix Osakwe, Group National Secretary, both stressed the initiative’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda and urged nationwide support to effectively tackle food insecurity.