During a recent roundtable at the State House in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima introduced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling malnutrition and food insecurity across Nigeria. The initiative, dubbed the “Nutrition 774 Initiative,” is designed to improve nutritional outcomes in all 774 local government areas (LGAs) nationwide.
At the 144th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) in September 2024, the Nutrition 774 program was officially endorsed as a key strategy for addressing malnutrition within Nigerian communities. The NEC has called on development partners to provide essential financial and technical support for this important endeavor.
Vice President Shettima emphasized that this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader commitment to achieving food security across Nigeria. “The priority with which President Tinubu approaches food availability is directly linked to our resolve to eliminate malnutrition,” he stated. “Our vision as a nation goes beyond simply stocking food in our barns and warehouses. True success means ensuring that every household in Nigeria has access to the essential and nutritious diets necessary for a healthy life.”
Shettima urged development partners to embrace this initiative alongside the government, emphasizing the need for collaboration in addressing the nation’s nutritional challenges. “This initiative must be a shared responsibility among our development partners and the government, as we are all stakeholders in building a healthier, more stable Nigeria,” he affirmed.
The Vice President also underscored the grassroots-led approach of the Nutrition 774 Initiative, which aims to empower local actors to spearhead nutritional improvements in their communities. This effort includes investing in local capacity through training for health workers and community leaders. “This initiative is a promise to all Nigerians—young and old, single and married, from North to South. It signifies that achieving balance in our nation’s diets is both our aspiration and our mission,” he noted.
In light of recent challenges such as flooding and global inflation impacting food security, Shettima stressed the necessity for innovative solutions that directly address these issues. “Every Naira invested in our people’s nutrition yields significant returns—not just in health, but also for the security and future of our nation,” he explained.
He also highlighted the need for monitoring and incentivizing local government councils that demonstrate dedication and enthusiasm toward the initiative.
Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, characterized the initiative as a crucial step in tackling acute, sub-acute, and chronic malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups. He emphasized the need for a systematic approach that brings together federal, state, and local governments, along with stakeholders from various sectors, including agriculture, health, water, sanitation, and social protection.
“This initiative will only succeed if we create a robust partnership among federal and state governments, local authorities, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector,” he highlighted.
Development partners expressed their support for the Nutrition 774 Initiative, commending the federal government for its commitment to improving nutrition across the nation. Abdul Kamara, Director General for Nigeria at the African Development Bank (AfDB), expressed the bank’s eagerness to contribute to this timely initiative, underscoring that nutrition is a key focal point of the AfDB’s agenda throughout the continent.
Similarly, Ndiamé Diop, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, affirmed the Nutrition 774 initiative’s alignment with global best practices in the field and pledged the bank’s full backing. He stressed the critical need to rapidly mobilize financial resources from both public and private sectors to ensure the program’s sustainability.
Melissa Jones, USAID Mission Director in Nigeria, emphasized the need for bold leadership in addressing the malnutrition crisis, which has been worsened by natural disasters and other challenges. She reiterated the urgency of collective action in the humanitarian assistance sector.
