School Feeding: FG To Explore PPP As World Bank, UNICEF, Pledge Support

The federal government has disclosed its decision to embark on public-private partnership (PPP) to enhance investments in feeding of school children in the country.

Speaking during a School Feeding Stakeholders Strategic Meeting on Wednesday, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on School Feeding Programme, Dr Yetunde Adeniji, stated that the PPP approach will provide a unique opportunity for governments, private entities, and other stakeholders to pool resources, and create sustainable funding models for programmes.

Adeniji noted that by combining the strengths and expertise of different sectors, the programme can achieve far greater impact and change lives for the better.

“These initiatives have a significant impact on the educational, nutritional, and overall development of children across the continent. However, implementing and sustaining these programmes can be quite challenging due to financial constraints and resource limitations.

“That is why this meeting is of utmost importance. We have brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including governments, private businesses, non-profit organisations, and financial institutions. It is through our collective efforts and collaboration that we can find innovative solutions to address the funding gaps, leverage investments, and ensure the sustainability and scalability of school feeding programs in Africa,” Adeniji said.

Speaking during the event, the representative of the World Bank, Dr Tunde Adekola who commended the Federal Government for initiating the programme, said the Bank would support the initiative in order to achieve the desired impact.

“The World Bank is working with other development partners to continue to leverage, to support this programme. We are willing to support the government of Nigeria to be able to achieve this objective.

“This is very important to ensure cost-effective, sustainable and efficient school feeding programmes in Nigeria. We need to share knowledge, experience of those initiatives that are already working,” he said

Similarly, the representative of UNICEF, Nkeiruka Enwelum, assured Nigeria of support, stressing that it is an opportunity to take care of children in schools to ensure their health and intellectual well-being.

The meeting with the theme, ‘Public-private partnerships and innovative financing to enhance investments in school feeding in Nigeria’ has stakeholders including developmental partners, private businesses, non-profit organisations, and financial institutions in attendance.