In a significant move to tackle rising food insecurity and strengthen social protection nationwide, the Federal Government has officially launched the distribution of food and nutrition assistance to vulnerable households in Plateau State.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Jos, the state capital, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, said the intervention demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to easing the impact of economic hardship, climate-related disruptions, and insecurity on vulnerable communities.
“This distribution of food and nutrition assistance represents a decisive step by the Federal Government to cushion the immediate effects of food insecurity, stabilise vulnerable households, and support communities striving to rebuild their livelihoods,” he said.
Dr. Doro noted that recent climate shocks, insecurity, and displacement have placed immense pressure on livelihoods, food systems, and community stability across many parts of the country, leaving millions of households struggling to meet basic needs.
He explained that while humanitarian relief remains vital during emergencies, the government is now implementing a broader strategy aimed at transitioning vulnerable households from reliance on aid to sustainable economic stability.
According to him, a key component of this strategy is a reform initiative known as the One Humanitarian One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS), designed to integrate humanitarian interventions with long-term poverty reduction programmes.
Under the framework, beneficiaries of emergency assistance will be connected to government initiatives such as conditional cash transfers, skills development programmes, livelihood restoration schemes, agricultural productivity support, and micro-enterprise financing.
“Our objective is clear: to break the cycle of repeated humanitarian dependency and move vulnerable households toward resilience, stability, and long-term prosperity,” the Minister said.
Dr. Doro also disclosed that the Ministry is expanding the National Social Register to ensure that vulnerable households across the country are properly identified and integrated into social protection systems.
He added that the Federal Government will collaborate closely with the Plateau State Government to ensure that beneficiaries of the food assistance programme, along with other vulnerable households in the state, are captured in the register and become eligible for additional federal support programmes.
Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and current National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, said the programme was initiated during his tenure after the President approved about ₦25 billion to support vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
He explained that Plateau State was deliberately selected as one of the beneficiaries and that key implementation processes had been completed before he left office.
“So far, over four million households about 20 million Nigerians have benefited from social protection initiatives, and about seven million households have also received ₦75,000 each through direct social support programmes. He said
Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries commended the Federal Government for the intervention, describing it as timely support for vulnerable citizens facing economic hardship.
The governor likened the programme to a mother giving hungry children something to eat while the main meal is still being prepared, saying the assistance would help sustain vulnerable households while broader economic reforms take effect.
He also reiterated the state government’s commitment to long-term food security through increased agricultural support, including plans to distribute large quantities of subsidized fertilizer to farmers across all local government areas in the state.
Officials said the food and nutrition assistance programme forms part of a broader national effort to strengthen humanitarian response, rebuild livelihoods and ensure that vulnerable Nigerians transition from emergency aid to sustainable economic opportunities.
