Nigeria Launches Bold Nutrition Overhaul: VP Shettima Directs MDAs, States to Meet July 2025 Deadline
In a high-level virtual meeting, Vice President Kashim Shettima mandated federal and state agencies to accelerate efforts to eradicate malnutrition, declaring it a top national priority. The National Council on Nutrition (NCN) unveiled sweeping reforms, including new nutrition departments in critical ministries and a nationwide rollout of the **Nutrition 774 Initiative** by July 2025.
“Malnutrition is a crisis that weakens our workforce and stifles development. We cannot afford empty talks—only action,” Shettima asserted. He called for private sector partnerships and evidence-based policies to address the emergency.
Key Decisions:
– Real-Time Monitoring: A National Nutrition Dashboard will track progress across ministries and states.
– ANRiN 2.0 Merged with N774. To avoid duplication, nutrition programs will be consolidated under a unified framework.
– High-Level Crisis Plan: A committee led by the Health and Budget Ministers will draft a **Food and Nutrition Crisis Preparedness Plan.
The VP warned that without domestic funding and accountability, global commitments would remain ineffective. Minister Atiku Bagudu affirmed the council’s role in ensuring measurable outcomes, while NCN Secretary Dr. Emeka Obi stressed collaboration with development partners.
