By Andrew Haruna
ABUJA — The Federal Government has concluded plans to relaunch the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP) on May 29, 2025, to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.
The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, made the announcement during a meeting with development partners, NGOs, and government officials in Abuja on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
Sununu explained that the revamped programme is aimed at tackling child hunger, boosting school enrolment, and improving educational outcomes nationwide. He added that the initiative, which will provide daily nutritious meals made from locally sourced ingredients, is also designed to strengthen local farming communities and empower women.
“Our mission is to feed every public school pupil in Primary One to Three, nurturing their potential and building the nation’s future,” Sununu stated.
10 Million Children to Benefit
According to the Minister, the Renewed Hope programme targets 10 million children and is projected to increase school enrolment by 20% and improve academic performance by 15% by the end of 2025.
He noted that the relaunch comes after a series of controversies and allegations of fraud that had marred the earlier version of the programme, but assured Nigerians of reforms, improved monitoring, and stronger community involvement to ensure transparency and sustainability.
Sununu emphasized the importance of community ownership, parental involvement, and the training of cooks to ensure quality service delivery.
N100 Billion Budgeted for 2025
Speaking at the meeting, the National Programme Manager of RH-NHGSFP, Dr. Aderemi Adebowale, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the nation’s future.
She disclosed that N100 billion has been allocated in the 2025 budget to scale up the programme and deepen its community impact.
Adebowale highlighted key reforms including the introduction of QR-coded supply chains and real-time tracking to enhance transparency, quality control, and accountability. She revealed that the programme will also integrate women, youth, cooks, and farmers, offering them targeted training and income-generating opportunities.
“The updated RH-NHGSFP will provide daily meals to public primary school pupils using food grown and sourced locally,” Adebowale said.
Health professionals, nutritionists, and supervisors will be engaged to monitor food quality and assess pupil health and programme outcomes, she added.
Furthermore, the programme will work closely with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to register and track all beneficiaries, ensuring accurate targeting and reporting.
Adebowale expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly reduce rural poverty by up to 40%, especially through the support of women-led cooperatives.
