Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has raised serious concerns over the alleged diversion of food aid and relief materials by some humanitarian workers operating in the state.
Speaking during a roundtable discussion on scaling up Tom Brown Nutrent-Dense Product in Borno State recently, the governor expressed frustration over reports that supplies meant for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable communities were being misappropriated.
The event was organized by the Borno’s ministry of Health in Collaboration with United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) that held at the united Nations House.
John Mukisa, Nutrition Senior Coordinator for Northeast Nigeria, had raised concern over the misuse of humanitarian aid, which he said remained a major challenge

Mukisa had called on state governments, regulatory agencies like NAFDAC, and law enforcement to crack down on the diversion of humanitarian aid, ensuring that essential nutrition supplies reached the children they are meant to save

Governor Zulum, known for his hands-on approach to governance, emphasized that such actions by humanitarian workers who are supposed to be above board, undermine ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian crisis caused by over a decade of insurgency in the region.

“It is deeply troubling that at a time when our people are in dire need, some individuals entrusted with delivering humanitarian assistance are diverting food and essential supplies for personal gain,” Zulum said. “This not only sabotages our recovery efforts but also erodes the trust of our people in the support they receive.”

The governor called on international and local humanitarian organizations to strengthen monitoring and accountability mechanisms to prevent further mismanagement of resources. He stressed the need for collaboration between government agencies and aid groups to ensure that assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries.

Borno State has been at the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency, with millions displaced from their homes and reliant on humanitarian aid. Despite significant military gains and ongoing resettlement programs, many communities remain vulnerable to food insecurity and limited access to basic services.

Governor Zulum urged security agencies to investigate the allegations thoroughly and ensure that those found guilty are held accountable. He also appealed to donors and international partners to remain committed to supporting the state while emphasizing transparency in aid distribution.

“The people of Borno have suffered enough. We can not allow the selfish actions of a few to jeopardize the well-being of our citizens. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every resource meant for our people is delivered appropriately,” he concluded.

The governor’s remark is coming amid growing concerns about the efficiency and integrity of humanitarian operations in conflict-affected areas, with many stakeholders calling for reforms to improve aid delivery and oversight.

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Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling malnutrition through the large-scale production and distribution of Tom Brown, a locally sourced, nutrient-dense food supplement.

Speaking at a roundtable discussion on scaling up Tom Brown in Borno State, held at the United Nations House in Abuja, Governor Zulum highlighted the urgent need for sustainable solutions to malnutrition, particularly in the insurgency-ravaged northeast. The event was organized by Borno’s Ministry of Health in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

“Our approach goes beyond treatment; we aim to prevent malnutrition by harnessing our local resources. We have the potential, but we need to fully utilize it. This project is about maximizing our natural and human resources to produce a locally made supplement that can significantly reduce malnutrition,” Zulum stated.

While Tom Brown has long been a staple in many Nigerian households, Zulum’s administration is working to standardize and scale up its production to ensure it meets the highest nutritional standards.

“We are investing in research and production enhancements to make Tom Brown widely available through our health and nutrition programs,” he added.

The state government’s plan focuses on, increasing production to make Tom Brown more widely accessible, integrating it into state nutrition programs for sustainability, Partnering with researchers and health experts to enhance its formulation and distributing it through primary healthcare centers across the state.

Borno’s leadership in this initiative is setting a precedent for other states facing similar malnutrition challenges.

“We are investing in a sustainable solution that not only nourishes our children but also empowers local communities through production and distribution,” Zulum emphasized.
At the event, Borno State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Malam Gana, called for urgent action to expand Tom Brown production as a national response to Nigeria’s malnutrition crisis.

Addressing international partners, policymakers, and private-sector stakeholders, he warned of alarming projections, stating that by 2025, 2.5 million Nigerian children under five will suffer from acute malnutrition.
Explaining further he said over 1 million cases will be classified as severe, while more than 300,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women will be affected.

“Tom Brown has the potential to reduce malnutrition relapse by up to 35%, making it a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to imported supplements,” Professor Gana stated.
He listed key Objectives of the Roundtable discussion to include, mobilizing donor support for large-scale production,, strengthening public-private partnerships for sustainability and aligning with global health goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Professor Gana commended international organizations, including FAO, UNICEF, WHO, and the World Food Programme (WFP), for their support. He urged stakeholders to prioritize local nutrition solutions, stressing that investing in Tom Brown would save lives, create jobs, and build community resilience.

“Together, we can make malnutrition a thing of the past,” he concluded.

Dominique Koffy Kouacou, the FAO Country Representative to Nigeria, praised Governor Zulum’s leadership and urged stakeholders to scale up Tom Brown production and distribution nationwide.

“We are not here to talk about problems—we are here to talk about solutions,” Kouacou declared.

He emphasized that expanding Tom Brown production would not only combat malnutrition but also create jobs and empower local producers. Already, the initiative has created over 70 jobs through women-led initiatives.

“Scaling up Tom Brown is not just about fighting malnutrition; it’s about empowering communities, creating jobs, and fostering resilience,” he stressed.

With support from the EU, UNICEF, and key embassies, the initiative aims to build upon its initial success and expand nationwide.

“Nigeria has the solutions within its borders. Now, it’s time to go big,” Kouacou added.

Despite over $1 billion in humanitarian aid directed toward nutrition programs, malnutrition rates in Northeast Nigeria remain alarmingly high.

John Mukisa, Senior Nutrition Coordinator for Northeast Nigeria, revealed that at least 200 children die daily from severe malnutrition-related causes adding that 3.5 million children in the region are affected by malnutrition with Central and Northern Borno, Northern Yobe, and parts of Adamawa as the worst hit

“Without urgent intervention, millions more remain at risk of wasting, stunting, and anemia, conditions that threaten both lives and the region’s economic stability,” Mukisa warned.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s hidden costs of malnutrition to invlude loses of $500 million in GDP annually due to malnutrition, severe stunting and wasting that threaten economic stability and the misuse of humanitarian aid as a major challenge.

Mukisa called on state governments, regulatory agencies like NAFDAC, and law enforcement to prevent the diversion of humanitarian aid and ensure nutrition supplies reach vulnerable children.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced plans to standardize the production of locally made, nutrient-dense food as part of its broader strategy to combat malnutrition.

A representative of Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate emphasized the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s “triple burden of malnutrition”—underweight, overweight, and micronutrient deficiencies. The latest National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023–2024 revealed that 40% of Nigerian children suffer from malnutrition, prompting swift government action.

One of the key measures is the standardization of Tom Brown in partnership with NAFDAC and UNICEF to ensure quality, consistency, and effectiveness nationwide.

“Different communities use different methods, and there is no standardization. Our goal is to develop a national guideline to ensure that every child receiving this food gets the right nutrients,” the Ministry’s representative stated.

The Office of the Vice President is also set to launch “Nutrition 774”, a nationwide initiative that will establish nutrition community centers in all 774 local government areas. These centers will serve as hubs for educating caregivers, traditional leaders, and religious leaders on nutrition, promoting standardized, nutrient-rich foods like Tom Brown.
Special Adviser on Health to President Bola Tinubu, Mrs. Salma Anas, praised Borno State for becoming the first sub-national government in Nigeria to spearhead a comprehensive, homegrown nutrition campaign.

“This is the new Nigeria we want to see—sub-national leadership driving real implementation,” she said.

She emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Presidential Unlocking Value Chain initiative, which prioritizes local food production, job creation, and women’s empowerment.

“This is more than just a nutrition program—it’s an investment in the intelligence and well-being of our children,” she concluded.

With Borno State leading the charge, Nigeria’s fight against malnutrition is taking a bold step forward, proving that homegrown solutions can be the key to lasting change.

Following the urgent need to combat malnutrition among children in Northern Nigeria, Farm Alert has unveiled its new initiative, “Eggs of Hope,” as part of its broader Project Sadakat program.
This innovative approach harnesses the power of crowdfunding to distribute eggs—an excellent source of vital nutrients—to children in underserved communities.
The launch event was held at Farm Alert’s office in Abuja and featured keynotes from influential figures, including the Technical Adviser to the Vice President of Nigeria on Women, Youth Engagement, and Impact, Hauwa Liman.
Liman in her address underscored the critical role that initiatives like “Eggs of Hope” play in combatting malnutrition, asserting the need for collective action to support vulnerable populations.
Esteemed guests, such as Dr. Oladotun Fadipe, Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, and Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Chinna, also attended the launch, showcasing a unified commitment to addressing this pressing health issue.

“Eggs of Hope” is an initiative that utilizes a unique crowdfunding model, allowing donors to contribute just 200 naira—the cost of a single egg. This funding will be directed towards purchasing eggs from local farmers, ensuring that aid not only addresses malnutrition but also supports the regional economy.

Once collected, the eggs will be distributed to schools and communities in Northern Nigeria, where malnutrition significantly hampers children’s growth and development. This direct-to-need approach ensures that donations effectively reach those who require assistance the most.

Farm Alert has also extended an invitation to individuals and organizations to participate in the “Eggs of Hope” initiative. “Every small contribution can collectively make a substantial impact in the fight against child malnutrition,” a Farm Alert representative stated.

To contribute or find out more about Project Sadakat, visit the Farm Alert website at [farmalert.com.ng/donate](http://farmalert.com.ng/donate).

Through collaborative efforts, Farm Alert believes that we can not only provide nourishment but also instill hope and pave the way for a brighter future for the children of Northern Nigeria.