Nutrition council passes new food and health rules to address food, health concerns

In a landmark move to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity, the National Council on Nutrition (NCN) has sanctioned a series of robust measures to uplift the nutritional status of Nigerians. This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s dedicated efforts to enhance public health and nutrition.

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At Tuesday’s NCN meeting in the Presidential Villa, Chairman and Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the need for proactive involvement from all sectors, including ministries, agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders. “Our commitment to this Council reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to improving the nutritional status of every Nigerian,” VP Shettima affirmed.

New National Nutrition Dashboard Unveiled

A key initiative approved is the creation of a national nutrition dashboard by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, aimed at enhancing oversight and coordination of nutrition initiatives across Nigeria. This dashboard will also be accessible via the NCN website.

Addressing the Food Crisis: Sustainable Solutions

Referencing the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, VP Shettima highlighted the administration’s urgent response to the food crisis, focusing on developing resilient and sustainable food systems.

VP Shettima praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, assuring development partners of the federal government’s readiness to work together for the nation’s benefit. “We are willing and ready to work with you for the good of the Nigerian nation,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing national nutrition challenges.

Commendable Efforts and Collaborative Success

He commended the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for their task force on malnutrition, noting their successful acquisition of essential commodities. He also lauded the joint efforts of the Health and Economy ministries in securing $30 million from the World Bank for nutrition commodities.

Government’s Commitment to Nutrition as National Priority

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, reiterated the administration’s focus on nutrition as a cornerstone of national development. “This initiative allows us to intensify our collective efforts to improve the country’s food and nutrition security,” Bagudu stated.

Comprehensive Strategy for Nutritional Improvement

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, outlined a strategy targeting eight priority areas, including enhancing value chains for nutrition, diversifying household production, and improving access to micronutrient-rich foods. The plan also involves building resilience and social protection networks for vulnerable groups, promoting nutrition research, and improving agricultural capacity to address food security and nutrition challenges.

Unified Effort for a Healthier Nigeria

The meeting saw attendance from key ministers and representatives from the World Bank, USAID, UN Agencies, and the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project, all committed to a unified effort in improving Nigeria’s nutritional landscape.

Through dynamic collaboration and steadfast commitment, Nigeria is set on a path to significantly advance its nutritional outcomes, ensuring a healthier future for all citizens.