As Nigeria struggles with soaring inflation rates, the Federal Government is encountering significant challenges in sustaining its National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), originally budgeted at N100 billion for 2024. The program, designed to provide meals for 10 million schoolchildren, now requires an estimated N540 billion due to unprecedented increases in food prices.
The NHGSFP aims to improve educational outcomes and the health of public primary school students, while also supporting local smallholder farmers by sourcing locally grown produce. However, since the budget’s approval last December, the nation’s food inflation has skyrocketed, reaching 40.53% in April 2024, a significant increase from 24.45% in March 2023. This inflation rate is considerably higher than the averages for both African and sub-Saharan nations, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting an overall inflation rate of 33.69% in April 2024.
The Tinubu administration had projected the cost of feeding each child at N100 per day, totaling N1 billion monthly. However, with 180 school days a year, the annual cost was initially expected to be N180 billion. The reality of tripling commodity prices means the government might need to allocate as much as N540 billion to prevent hunger among schoolchildren, assuming food costs have only doubled, a more conservative estimate would still require N360 billion.
Recent checks by The Guardian reveal a dramatic increase in the prices of basic food items. For instance, a 50kg bag of rice that cost N26,000 early in 2023 is now priced at N85,000. Similarly, prices for other staples like garri, yams, beans, noodles, spaghetti, Semovita, and various proteins have surged, with some items tripling in cost within a year.
In light of these economic pressures, the Federal Government has acknowledged the need for additional funding sources. In February, it announced intentions to establish public-private partnerships (PPP) to bridge the funding gap. Yetunde Adeniji, the senior special assistant to the president on school feeding, emphasized that such collaborations could provide sustainable funding models by uniting governmental bodies, private entities, and other stakeholders.
Adeniji’s vision for the PPP is not just about pooling resources but also about ensuring accountability and enhancing the quality and reach of these crucial programs across Africa. She articulated a commitment to securing financial support that will not only feed millions of children but also bolster their overall well-being and future potential.
The urgency of these efforts is underscored by past controversies surrounding the program, including recent corruption allegations that led to the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu. She was accused of misappropriating N585.2 million intended for vulnerable Nigerians. This scandal has heightened the scrutiny on the program’s administration and the need for transparent management.
Despite these challenges, the NHGSFP has a substantial track record, having served over 300 million meals to more than 7.5 million pupils across 46,000 public primary schools in 22 states since its inception in 2016. The program’s strategic plan, crafted in alignment with the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s guidelines, aims not only to provide meals but to stimulate local agriculture and economic growth.
Nutritionist Jadesola Adekile pointed out the multifaceted benefits of the NHGSFP, noting its potential to reduce primary school dropout rates, which stand at about 30%, and improve the nutritional and health status of children. The link between the feeding scheme and local agricultural production creates a sustainable ecosystem that benefits not just the children but the entire community, providing economic stimulation and job creation.
Local stakeholders, including parents and teachers, are calling for the government to be more proactive and intentional in managing the NHGSFP amidst these economic trials. Johnson Adeniran, a parent, and Sophia Emmanuel, a teacher, both emphasize the importance of ensuring that the program reaches as many children as possible, particularly those who are out of school, to truly leverage its potential benefits.
As Nigeria moves forward, the success of the NHGSFP will depend significantly on the government’s ability to navigate these financial challenges, ensure program integrity, and harness the power of partnerships to sustain and expand this vital social initiative.
Source: The Guardian
