The Federal Government has launched the Presidential Food and Nutrition Assistance programme in Niger State as part of efforts to tackle food insecurity and support vulnerable households.
The intervention was flagged off in Minna at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard M. Doro, said the programme targets households affected by flooding, insecurity and displacement across the state.
He said the intervention would provide emergency food support while linking beneficiaries to long-term poverty reduction programmes under the One Humanitarian–One Poverty Response System.
According to him, households captured in the expanded National Social Register will be connected to livelihood support, skills development and financial inclusion schemes.
Doro noted that although Niger plays a key role in food production and hydroelectric power generation, recurrent flooding and insecurity have increased vulnerability in many communities.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olubunmi Olusanya, stressed the need for transparency and proper targeting to ensure assistance reaches verified beneficiaries.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago said the state has faced growing humanitarian pressure due to dam overflows and insecurity, which have displaced residents and affected farmlands.
He called for sustained collaboration to stabilise affected communities and support displaced children to remain in school.
The ministry said the programme is part of efforts to strengthen shock-responsive social protection and connect vulnerable households to sustainable pathways out of poverty
