The Federal Government has adopted a domestic financing strategy for nutrition programmes as part of efforts to reduce reliance on external donor support and ensure the sustainability of critical interventions across the country.
The decision was reached during the second high-level meeting of the Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative Strategic Board, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Under the new approach, the board directed the Federal Ministry of Finance and relevant stakeholders to activate existing funding mechanisms, including the Presidential Nutrition Intervention Fund (PNIF) and proceeds from the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) levy, to finance nutrition programmes nationwide.
Speaking at the meeting, Shettima stressed the need for Nigeria to take greater ownership of its nutrition agenda, noting that continued dependence on donor funding poses long-term risks to the sustainability of interventions.
He emphasized that nutrition programmes must be backed by reliable domestic funding sources to ensure continuity and effectiveness, particularly as global development assistance continues to decline.
Tackling Nigeria’s Malnutrition Burden
The policy shift comes amid ongoing concerns over Nigeria’s high burden of malnutrition, especially among children.
Health experts estimate that millions of children across the country suffer from various forms of undernutrition, including severe acute malnutrition and stunting. Poor nutrition remains a significant contributor to child mortality and can have lasting effects on physical development, learning outcomes, and economic productivity later in life.
To address these challenges, the National Economic Council previously launched the Nutrition 774 Initiative, aimed at improving coordination, accountability, and implementation of nutrition programmes across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
Closing the Funding Gap
The Vice President highlighted the need to address the estimated N500 billion funding gap in the nutrition sector, stressing that meaningful progress requires adequate financial commitments.
He described nutrition as a critical component of President Bola Tinubu’s human capital development agenda, noting that investments in maternal and child nutrition are essential for building a healthier and more productive population.
Shettima also expressed concern over delays in establishing nutrition governance structures at the state and local government levels.
He urged states that have yet to inaugurate their State Councils on Nutrition to do so without delay and called for the establishment of Local Government Committees on Food and Nutrition in areas where they are not yet operational.
According to him, stronger participation by state and local governments will be vital to achieving the objectives of the Nutrition 774 Initiative.
Proposed Nutrition Legislation
The strategic board also reviewed plans for a National Nutrition Bill designed to provide a stronger legal framework for nutrition interventions and improve accountability within the sector.
Shettima directed the initiative’s secretariat to engage lawmakers, state governments, and development partners before forwarding the proposed legislation to the National Assembly.
The proposed bill is expected to support ongoing efforts to institutionalize nutrition programmes and create more sustainable funding mechanisms for interventions targeting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
The move is seen as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s nutrition sector and ensuring long-term support for programmes aimed at reducing malnutrition and improving public health outcomes nationwide.
