The Nigerian government has allocated N100 billion to the National Home Grown School Feeding Program (NHGSFP) as part of the 2025 Appropriation Bill. This initiative is aimed at providing nutritious meals to public primary school students across the country, promoting better education and health outcomes while supporting local farmers.
The 2025 national budget, totaling N49.74 trillion, draws from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation and includes specific allocations for programs like the NHGSFP to enhance the nation’s development and resource management.
A Look at the National Home Grown School Feeding Program
First launched in 2005 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, the NHGSFP was designed to improve students’ well-being and foster local agricultural growth. By sourcing food locally, the program creates a stable market for farmers and addresses the nutritional needs of children.
Key goals of the NHGSFP include:
- Increasing school attendance and academic performance.
- Supporting local farmers’ incomes through consistent demand for their produce.
However, the program has faced numerous challenges over the years, particularly during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Issues such as absent food vendors, poor-quality meals, small portions, and delayed vendor payments raised concerns about the program’s sustainability. Reports of corruption and inefficiencies further complicated its implementation.
Controversies Under Buhari’s Administration
The NHGSFP’s implementation during this period was marred by allegations of mismanagement. Maryam Uwais, the former Special Adviser to the President on Social Investments, disclosed that the program was suspended in some states due to irregular food supply, poor-quality meals, and delayed disbursements.
An investigation revealed that N2.67 billion, intended for feeding students during the COVID-19 lockdown, was found in individual accounts, highlighting significant financial mismanagement. Additionally, in 2023, although N1 billion was allocated to the NHGSFP within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs’ budget of N355.09 billion, many children reportedly went without meals due to absent vendors and logistical failures. This lack of consistency led to decreased school attendance.
Ambitious Goals for 2025
Despite past controversies, the government remains committed to the NHGSFP, with a target to:
- Boost school enrollment by 20%.
- Enhance academic performance by 15%.
- Increase local farmers’ income by 10%.
These objectives hinge on addressing the program’s logistical and financial challenges. The 2025 budget allocation of N100 billion reflects the government’s intention to prioritize the program while ensuring accountability and efficiency.
Ensuring Responsible Fund Management
The 2025 Appropriation Bill outlines procedures for virements (reallocations of funds) to ensure that public resources are responsibly managed. Any changes to allocated funds require prior approval from the National Assembly, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability.
The Road Ahead
In October 2022, the credibility of the NHGSFP was further questioned when the Nassarawa State government uncovered 349 “ghost schools” listed as program beneficiaries. Such findings have raised serious concerns about the program’s integrity.
Despite these challenges, the NHGSFP remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s strategy to improve education and local agricultural productivity. By addressing past inefficiencies and strengthening oversight, the program has the potential to drive long-term development and economic stability for the nation.
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