By Atoyebi Nike
The House of Representatives has endorsed the Automated MATAN Food Security Initiative (AMFSI), describing it as a transformative, technology-driven solution capable of addressing up to 90 per cent of Nigeria’s food security challenges if implemented nationwide.
The endorsement was announced at the close of a three-day national forum organized by the MATAN Food Bank Professionals Association of Nigeria, which brought together lawmakers, policy experts, and industry stakeholders to discuss solutions to the country’s growing hunger crisis.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Haruna Gowon, who represents Bassa/Dekina Federal Constituency, described food security as a critical national priority requiring strong legislative backing. He said food availability is closely linked to health, productivity, poverty reduction, and national security.
Gowon assured participants of the National Assembly’s commitment to providing legislative support and oversight to enable the initiative to reach communities across the country.
Also speaking, Senior Consultant to the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Mr. Chrisland Onyemechara, said the AMFSI aligns with key food security pillars, including partnership, advocacy, environment, and innovation. He noted that well-coordinated, technology-based interventions could significantly reduce Nigeria’s food challenges.
Earlier, the National President of the association, Ambassador Olakunle Johnson, described the AMFSI as a privately driven, digitally powered programme designed to provide food access to over 40 million Nigerians. He explained that the initiative operates through a Virtual Digital Identity platform that links individuals to local food banks and community kitchens to ensure transparent and equitable food distribution.
Other stakeholders at the forum praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda and could help address rising food prices, supply chain disruptions, and food-related insecurity across the country.
