The Federal Government has announced plans to expand the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) to reach 50 million primary school pupils by 2026.
Dr. Aderemi Adebowale, National Programme Manager at the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), said the initiative will cover children from Primary 1 to 6, as well as out-of-school children who will be gradually integrated into the scheme.
“Our target is to feed nearly 50 million pupils in Nigerian primary schools by 2026. School feeding should cost between ₦500 and ₦1,000 per child, and even at ₦500, it is possible to provide nutritious and enjoyable meals daily,” Adebowale explained.
She added that NSIPA is working with smallholder farmers, aggregators, supply chains, and development partners to standardize prices and ensure sustainability.
“With this alignment, we won’t rely on fluctuating market prices. Instead, we’ll agree on fixed prices with suppliers, agri-vendors, and farmers to maintain a reasonable cost per plate. Payments and service delivery will then be closely monitored,” she said.
This expansion builds on the Alternate Education and Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Project, launched on May 27, 2025, in Abuja. The initiative, inaugurated by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, aimed to provide meals for 20 million out-of-school and underserved children by 2026.
Implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the programme operates in partnership with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education and the National Identity Management Commission.
The NHGSFP is one of the flagship projects of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), designed to improve child nutrition, boost school enrollment, and support local farmers through structured demand for their produce.