ASHENEWS reports that the Niger State governor, Mohammed Bago has advocated for increased synergy between federal government agencies and state governments to address malnutrition.
The governor stated this when he spoke as one of the panellists at a dialogue aimed at addressing the malnutrition surge in Northern Nigeria, put together by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, held in Abuja.
The Niger State governor, who stressed the role of agriculture in addressing the crisis noted that agriculture should not be limited to cropping but be broadened to cover other aspects to explore the value chain needed to address poverty and malnutrition, especially in the Northern Region.
To address this issue, he said that the Niger State government is already generating data through the Primary Health Care centres towards tackling the challenge.
He noted that his administration has diversified the economy of the State by improving agricultural production to a mechanised level to feed the State and the Country in general.
The Niger State Governor added that the state government is in partnership with several investors for the production of nutritious food that has a value chain.
He maintained that the state government is strategically positioned to contribute to the strategic crop reserve of the Nation.
On his part, the coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate disclosed that the Federal Government is expanding production of food to address challenges associated with malnourishment among other things.
According to him, the Federal Government has mobilised 1.3 million doses of multiple micronutrient supplements to save pregnant women and also made ready $30 million for the purchase of therapeutic foods to be channelled to 1,200 primary healthcare centres across the Country.
Speaking further, the Chancellor, of Athena Centre of Policy and Leadership, Osita Chidoka, described as worrisome the statistics of malnutrition in the Country, pointing out that the event was key in finding lasting solutions.
He said going by the commitment from the Governors present at the event, the desired result would be achieved.
Similarly, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari identified environmental challenges as contributors to the surge in malnutrition.
The minister, represented by the Director, of Food and Nutrition, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Fatima Mahmud revealed several plans by the ministry to collaborate with State Governments which include the provision of improved seedlings to farmers towards addressing the situation.
