The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced ambitious plans to significantly expand the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, aiming to provide nutritious meals to 50 million primary school pupils by 2026. This expansion marks a major step towards improving child nutrition and boosting school enrolment across the country.
Currently, the programme targets millions of schoolchildren in public primary schools, offering daily meals sourced from local farmers and suppliers, thereby supporting both education and local agriculture. The government’s decision to widen the reach is expected to enhance learning outcomes, reduce hunger, and encourage greater school attendance nationwide.
Officials from the Ministry of Education and the National Social Investment Office revealed that the scale-up will be implemented in phases, with increased funding and logistical support to ensure effective delivery across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, launched several years ago, has been praised for its positive impact on child health and educational access, especially in underserved communities. With the planned expansion, the government hopes to address persistent challenges such as malnutrition and dropout rates, which continue to affect the nation’s educational development.
Stakeholders in education and nutrition sectors have welcomed the announcement, urging prompt execution and proper monitoring to guarantee that the additional millions of pupils benefit from the scheme as intended.
As Nigeria prepares for this massive rollout, the success of the programme will hinge on strong coordination between federal, state, and local governments, as well as partnerships with private sector and community organizations.
