Key food and nutrition stakeholders have urged the government to prioritize sustainable nutrition policies and actions to strengthen Nigeria’s economic productivity and support national growth.
They made the call on Monday in Abuja at the 2025 National Nutrition Week, themed “Sustainable Nutrition for a Healthier and Productive Nigeria,” organized by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with development partners and NGOs.
Dr. Michael Ojo, Country Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to tackle malnutrition, which he said undermines productivity and perpetuates poverty.
He noted that ongoing efforts to review the National Policy on Food and Nutrition would help set a clear agenda and priorities for the next decade.
“The scale of the hunger and malnutrition challenge, acute and chronic, across the country is not lost on us. I believe this Nutrition Week will reignite our resolve to sustain the gains and accelerate progress, ensuring that every Nigerian has equitable access to safe, affordable and nutritious food. This is key to a healthy and productive nation.
“To achieve sustainable nutrition for a healthier and more productive Nigeria, what we need are coherent policies and actions for better nutrition and productivity,” he said.
Dr. Osita Okonkwo, Country Director at Nutrition International, represented by Dr. Junaidu Sani, stressed the need for impact-driven collective action to address malnutrition.
Declaring the week open, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, highlighted the link between adequate nutrition, a productive workforce and a resilient economy.
“Our nation’s nutrition moment is at a critical juncture. We have made commendable progress in improving maternal and child health, expanding essential nutrition services and strengthening the food system.
“However, persistent challenges remain in stunting and micronutrient deficiencies, and there is a need to align policies and scale up actions in line with rapid population growth,” he said.
Bagudu, represented by Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, Acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry, underscored the need to review progress, assess its impact and prioritise nutrition-related interventions in the nation’s development agenda.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural resilience and ensuring a steady supply of nutritious food.
“Let us be reminded that attaining optimal nutritional status for all Nigerians, especially in the face of climate change, is our collective responsibility. We must ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive and thrive,” he added.
Uju Rochas-Anwukah, Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, also called for prioritizing nutrition interventions to improve national health outcomes.
Similarly, Mr. Emmanuel Abbatta, Director of the Nutrition Information System at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the need for practical solutions to tackle malnutrition across the country.
