The MATAN Food Bank Professionals Association of Nigeria (MATAN) has launched the Automated MATAN Food Security Initiative (AMESI/METS), a nationwide effort aimed at combating hunger and improving food security across the country.

The initiative was officially launched during a national flag-off ceremony that brought together key stakeholders in agriculture and community development to unveil the framework designed to transform food access and distribution in Nigeria. The three-day event, held at the National Institute of Sport (NIS) in Surulere, Lagos, attracted farmers from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The National President of MATAN Group and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Mr. Olakunle Johnson described the initiative as a “spiritual project” focused on strengthening food systems from the grassroots level. He emphasized that the program offers sustainable solutions to hunger by equipping communities with modern tools for food production, tracking, and distribution.

Johnson noted that solving local problems requires local solutions. “Many of the challenges in Nigeria will resolve themselves once food is abundant,” he said, expressing hope that increased food availability will also help address insecurity.

He pointed out that insurgency and banditry often flourish where hunger and deprivation are widespread.

One of the key features of the program is the use of a multipurpose digital identity card system, which will enhance transparency and ensure more efficient food distribution across the country. Johnson called on the Federal, State, and Local Governments, as well as development commissions, to support the full implementation of the project.

He further stressed that hunger is a major driver of insecurity, and that lasting peace can only be achieved if all citizens have reliable access to food.

The initiative will use digital identities, community enumeration, and automated food distribution systems to prevent long food queues. Households will receive digital food security cards linked to Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and National Identification Numbers (NIN). MATAN aims to enumerate over 200 million Nigerians, ensuring that children, vulnerable groups, workers, and households can access targeted food resources.

Community kinship teams will play an essential role by collecting data, managing food banks, and operating street-level feeding machines for both cooked and uncooked food. To ensure a steady supply of food, MATAN has partnered with large-scale farmers who will produce the food, while MATAN handles storage, logistics, and distribution.

In addition, the program includes land automation and community farming initiatives, allowing both landlords and tenants to provide land for mechanized cultivation.

Johnson emphasised the need for a nationwide push for productivity, urging every community to return to farming in order to eliminate hunger and reduce insecurity.

He expressed confidence that the project will show tangible results within a year, boosting food supply, employment, and national security.

Also, speaking at the event, Vice President for the North West Zone, Alhaji Abba Imam, explained that the initiative follows a bottom-up model to ensure active participation from communities.

He outlined the organizational structure of the initiative, which includes the National Advisory Council, Women in Agriculture, the National Executive Council, and various zonal and state councils.

Dr. Goni Faruk Umar highlighted the IMF’s warning of an impending food crisis, which prompted MATAN to launch a grassroots farming scheme to enhance national food security. The scheme will mobilise young people, provide them with farmlands, and buy their produce for subsidised distribution in local communities.

Former Gombe Deputy Governor, Senator Joshua Lidani, called the initiative “unprecedented” and urged stakeholders across Nigeria’s food sector to collaborate with MATAN.

He expressed confidence that the project would significantly improve food security and strengthen the agricultural economy within two years.

Dr. Olajide Bashorun, Chairman and CEO of Miss Farms Ltd, also stressed the importance of uniting farmers to build a stronger food security system for Nigeria.

Bashorun, who also chairs the Food Security and Sustainability Committee of MATAN Food Bank Foundation, underscored that collective action is essential to ensuring sustainable food production.

He explained, “By bringing farmers together, we can provide them with the necessary resources and support to increase productivity, improve incomes, and ensure a steady food supply for our communities.”

Bashorun also highlighted the social impact of the initiative, noting that hunger drives numerous societal challenges, from poor health to social unrest. “By conquering hunger, we stabilize communities, boost productivity, and foster social harmony. Food is the key to unlocking human potential,” he said.

He further elaborated that MATAN plans to register farmers through its online portal, supply critical inputs at competitive prices, and purchase their produce at agreed farm-gate prices to ensure fair compensation for their efforts.