The National Council on Nutrition (NCN), led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has approved new measures to fight malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, announced these efforts as part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s strategy to improve nutrition nationwide.
At a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing the nation’s nutrition crisis. He highlighted the administration’s commitment to improving nutrition for all Nigerians.
One of the approved measures is the establishment of a national nutrition dashboard, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. This tool will enhance oversight and coordination of nutrition-related initiatives across the country.
Shettima also mentioned the recently created Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, operating within the Presidential Economic Coordination Committee. He emphasized the urgency of the food crisis and the administration’s efforts to develop resilient and sustainable food systems in Nigeria.
The Vice President commended all stakeholders in the nutrition space and assured development partners and other actors of the Federal Government’s readiness to collaborate.
“We are willing and ready to work with you for the good of the Nigerian nation. Let us forge ahead with optimism and resolve, knowing that together we are making substantial changes in the lives of our people. I extend my gratitude for your steadfast support and diligent efforts,” Shettima said.
He praised the efforts of frontline ministries combating malnutrition and hunger, describing their actions as worthy of emulation.
The meeting also reviewed Nigeria’s current nutritional status and proposed actionable recommendations to enhance existing nutrition intervention programs in line with national policy.
The strategy includes improving value chains for better nutrition, diversifying household production and consumption with a focus on women, increasing access to micronutrient-rich foods, and enhancing food safety along the value chain. It also involves building resilience and social protection networks for vulnerable groups, promoting nutrition research, and boosting the agriculture sector’s capacity to address food security and nutrition challenges.
Attending the meeting were the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye; Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and representatives of development organizations, including the World Bank, USAID, UN agencies, and the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project.
These measures reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria. The government’s commitment to improving nutrition is evident in its strategic planning and collaboration with various stakeholders.
With these initiatives, Nigeria aims to create a healthier and more food-secure future for its population. The NCN’s actions underscore the critical need for sustained efforts and resources to address the nutrition crisis effectively.
The National Council on Nutrition’s new measures represent a significant step towards combating malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria. Through collaboration, strategic planning, and targeted interventions, the government is poised to make substantial progress in improving the nutritional status of its citizens.
Source: Sun News
