To improve nutrition in Nigeria, Vice-President Kashim Shettima has expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to implement the 2021 National Food Consumption and Micronutrients Survey (NFCMS) report.
He made this known at the launch of the NFCMS report on Tuesday in Abuja.
Represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Public Health/Focal Person, Nutrition, Mrs Uju Anwukah, Shettima said the government would not only implement the NFCMS report but would also improve budgetary allocation to health and agriculture to address malnutrition.
He added that as the Chairman of, the National Council on Nutrition, he would drive the nutrition agenda through the pillars of decentralised coordination, profile raising, financing, scaling up nutrition interventions, data and accountability.
He said “As we launch report of the 2021 national foods consumption and multi nutrient survey, we reflect that beyond the numerical data lies the profound impact on lives, the potential for positive transformation and unity of purpose it brings to our nation.
“In all I have a firm belief that Nigeria will be placed in most exemplary nations with improved nutrition indices.”
Also, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate said government and other stakeholders would prioritise improving nutritional outcomes.
He added that “the report that we are launching today provides evidence to inform policies, programmes, and implementation and also learning over time.
“We are moving from faith-based policies and programming to evidence-based policies and proven programming.
“So, I want to assure you that we are committed to implementing evidence-based solutions to improve nutritional outcomes.”
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari who represented Minister of State, Aliyu Abdullahi, said the NFCMS is a step toward achieving food security and nutrition.
He said “this report has further given us an opportunity for evidence-based policymaking programming, project and intervention development.”
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu said the report represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aspiration to address malnutrition for improved health of citizens.
Bagudu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Nebeolisa Anako, stressed the need for relevant stakeholders to have access to the report to inform evidence-based interventions and policies that would ensure food security and nutrition in the country.
He said “today’s event is to launch key outcomes of the survey, assess progress on ongoing efforts to strengthen the nutrition data value chain in Nigeria. It is also to start new initiatives and partnerships for data investments and follow up action.
“I, therefore, advise that we redouble our efforts to promote nutrition sensitive agriculture, improve the food systems and strengthen health services to ensure access to safe, nutritious and diverse foods.
“We must also work to enhance nutrition education to empower individuals and communities to make healthier food choices.”
The Director and Head of the Nutrition Department, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi said the survey was conducted in the 36 states and the FCT, 290 clusters and 9,107 households.
Bako-Aiyegbusi added that children under five years, adolescents between 10 and 14 years, and women within reproductive age were also involved.
“We looked at the prevalence and distribution of different micronutrient deficiencies.
“The status of micronutrient intake and coverage of key interventions, we reviewed the existing national micronutrient strategy and how it is being implemented.
“What are the challenges and also we used the survey to set priorities and deploy programmes,” she said.
The Country Director, of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Dr Micheal Ojo said the report provided data for the government and partners to plan and implement policies aimed at addressing malnutrition.
Also, the Chief of Nutrition, UNICEF, Nemat Hajeebhoy noted that Nigeria has the largest number of malnourished children in the continent and the second largest globally, while 32 million people in this lean season are going to be food insecure.
Hajeebhoy, therefore, added that the NFCMS would aid in addressing malnutrition and improve food security in the country.
Similarly, the Lead Director, of the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Nutrition Division (RMNCH+ Nutrition), USAID, Laurel Rushton said Nigeria falls behind in meeting the nutrition global target.
Rushton explained that the NFCMS report would drive evidence-based approaches and innovative solutions to tackle malnutrition.
Other highlights of the event were the joint unveiling of the NFCMS report and the conferment of awards to notable organisations and personalities for their contributions to the success of the survey.
By Justina Auta
