The future of Nigeria’s National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) remains uncertain, leaving over nine million pupils and 250,000 jobs in limbo.
The future of Nigeria’s National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) remains uncertain, leaving over nine million pupils and 250,000 jobs in limbo. Suspended in January 2024 amid corruption scandals involving top officials, the programme has not resumed despite a N160 billion allocation in the 2025 budget. Inflation has raised doubts over the feasibility of the N100 daily meal, with food prices doubling in the past year. “Feeding schoolchildren would not only improve their health and wellbeing, but also incentivise them to remain in school,” said Finance Minister Wale Edun. Public analyst Akinsola Olotu warned, “Any further delay… would be counterproductive to the government’s efforts.” Education Rights Campaign’s Michael Adaramoye urged “swift implementation,” while educator Kenneth Obiorah stressed, “Timely implementation is crucial to unlocking the economic potential of rural areas.” Concerns over inflation, transparency, and execution threaten the programme’s goals of improving nutrition, increasing school enrollment, and supporting local economies. Official comment from the Ministry remains unavailable.