The Federal Government has announced a renewed national effort to combat malnutrition with the launch of the Nutrition 774 Initiative, a programme designed to strengthen food and nutrition interventions across all local government areas in the country.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking at the 15th National Council on Nutrition meeting held virtually on Tuesday, said the initiative reflects government determination to address child and maternal malnutrition through coordinated national action.
He stressed that every Nigerian child must be central to the policy drive, describing nutrition as a national responsibility that cuts across all levels of government.
He also highlighted the proposed National Nutrition Bill as a key legal framework intended to secure long-term financing and reduce political disruptions to nutrition programmes.
The council also adopted the National Policy on Food and Nutrition for 2026–2035, which outlines a multi-sectoral strategy aimed at improving food security, strengthening human capital development, and aligning nutrition efforts with national economic goals.
Officials said the policy would be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for approval before implementation.
It is expected to guide coordinated action between federal, state, and local authorities over the next decade.
As part of the resolutions, the council directed the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to facilitate the creation of state nutrition councils in remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory within three months.
Only a small number of states currently have such structures in place.
The meeting also approved measures to improve nutrition financing, including the involvement of additional government agencies, local government representatives, and private sector actors.
A multi-source funding framework covering domestic, bilateral, multilateral, and private sector contributions was endorsed.
Shettima further directed the establishment of a private sector nutrition funding window in partnership with key stakeholders, aimed at expanding investment in food security and child nutrition programmes.
