The Federal Government requires $100 million to implement its National Multisectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition, aimed at addressing malnutrition in the country.
Despite a directive to establish Nutrition Departments in all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), most have yet to comply.
Only seven out of 36 States have approved the creation of Nutrition departments in their MDAs.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the National Council on Nutrition (NCN), has reiterated the directive to MDAs to set up Nutrition Departments without delay.
Over 15 million women and children in 12 States have benefited from the government’s nutrient fortification supplements aimed at addressing malnutrition.
The Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) project has provided nutrition packages and services to over 15 million women and children since its inception.
The project collaborates with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) to provide nutrition advocacy services at Primary Healthcare Centres nationwide.
The Civil Society on Setting Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has urged the government to support Nutrition financing initiatives and establish a Nutrition Investment Trust Fund.
The organization also emphasized the need for sustained emergency food assistance, health, and protection assistance for those in critical need.
Proper funding and implementation of nutrition programs would lead to improved nutrition outcomes and enhance the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The government has directed the NCN to strengthen nutrition governance at all levels and implement the Presidential directives on establishing Nutrition Departments nationwide.