Aliko Dangote Scales Up 10 Million Food Relief Effort In Nigeria
Dangote expands 10 million food relief effort with major rice donations to FCT and Kogi, reaching millions amid Nigerias worsening food insecurity.
Aliko Dangote Foundation distributed 50,000 rice bags in Abuja and Kogi, part of a 10 million annual initiative targeting all 774 local government areas.
Local officials praise private sector aid, as transparent distribution systems ensure food reaches vulnerable groups, including orphans and people with disabilities.
Africas richest man, Aliko Dangote, is ramping up his 10 million National Food Intervention Program with major rice donations to the Federal Capital Territory and Kogi Statereaching millions of Nigerians as food insecurity worsens across the country.
Through the Aliko Dangote Foundation ADF, the billionaire philanthropist distributed 10,000 bags of 10kg rice in Abuja and another 40,000 bags across Kogi as part of his N16 billion 10 million annual food security initiative, launched in March. The program is aimed at helping low-income families cope with the harsh economic climate and rising cost of living.
This initiative is meant to support the governments efforts to reduce hunger and ease hardship, said Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, Senior Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, during the Abuja flag-off ceremony.
The foundation kicked off the nationwide effort in early 2024, delivering food relief valued at N15 billion 9.36 million to all 774 local government areas in Nigeria. Its now one of the largest privately funded food aid programs on the continent.
Government applause as relief reaches the most vulnerableAt the Abuja event, a senior official representing FCT Minister Nyesom Wike praised the donation, calling it both timely and crucial for struggling urban households. In Kogi, the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hajia Rabietu Okute, confirmed that food distribution had started across all 21 local government areas and 239 wards, targeting vulnerable groups including people with disabilities and residents of 23 orphanages.