Time To Act: Shettima Urges Decisive Action To Combat Malnutrition In Nigeria

Vice President Shettima Calls for Urgent Action Against Malnutrition

Naija News brings you the latest update as Vice President Kashim Shettima has sounded the alarm on the escalating issue of malnutrition in Nigeria. In a strong and urgent appeal, Senator Shettima emphasized the need to move beyond mere discussions and take decisive, actionable steps to combat this national crisis. Speaking to members of the National Council on Nutrition (NCN), various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and other key stakeholders, he underscored the importance of adopting a comprehensive, multisectoral approach to address the issue head-on.

Malnutrition, according to Shettima, isn't just a health issue—it's a crisis that threatens the very fabric of our national security and economic productivity. If left unchecked, it could derail the progress and potential of our nation. He made it clear that discussions, committees, and even the existence of the NCN would be meaningless without tangible results. This isn't just about solving a problem—it's about securing the future of Nigeria.

Shettima delivered these remarks during a virtual meeting of the NCN held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday. He passionately articulated the gravity of the situation, saying, "We're facing a crisis that puts our national security and economic productivity at risk. Malnutrition isn't just a health issue; it's a silent emergency that affects cognitive development, weakens our workforce, and slows down the engine of national growth. We must treat this with the urgency it deserves. We need a multisectoral response that brings together our MDAs, development partners, and the private sector to find lasting solutions."

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Data-Driven Solutions Are Key to Ending Malnutrition

Shettima further highlighted the critical role of data and statistics in tackling this crisis. He argued that any policies or programs put forward must be grounded in practical, evidence-based assessments. Without reliable data, we risk making uninformed decisions that could worsen the situation rather than improve it.

He stated, "We must empower the institutions responsible for food and nutrition governance to deliver on their mandates. This council must take the lead in ensuring that our efforts are strategic, data-driven, and results-oriented. The interventions rolled out under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, are products of careful analysis and informed decision-making. Initiatives like the Nutrition 774 program are grassroots-driven and designed to institutionalize nutrition at the local government level, ensuring no community is left behind."

Shettima also stressed the importance of government leadership in funding these initiatives. He emphasized that success cannot be guaranteed unless the government takes the financial reins. "Nigeria's demographic size makes us a focal point of global concern, and our efforts are part of a broader international campaign to end malnutrition. However, global commitments mean nothing if they aren't translated into domestic accountability. The world is watching us, but more importantly, the Nigerian people are counting on us," he added.

Collaboration Is Essential to Combatting Malnutrition – Bagudu, Obi

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, echoed Shettima's sentiments during the meeting. He explained that the purpose of the gathering was to ramp up actions on food and nutrition issues across the country. Bagudu described the council as a platform for marking progress, assessing challenges, and driving forward the national agenda on the nutritional health and well-being of Nigerians. He noted, "This council serves as a pivotal checkpoint in our national efforts to address challenges in improving food and nutrition across all sectors, promote better health outcomes, and strengthen collaboration."

Secretary to the Council and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Emeka Vitalis Obi, also spoke about the significance of the meeting. He highlighted the milestones achieved in Nigeria's fight against malnutrition and food insecurity. He noted, "The multifaceted nature and complexity of nutrition challenges require a multisectoral and multidisciplinary approach. This involves all stakeholders at both national and subnational levels, with the support of development partners and stakeholders."

On the topic of the National Nutrition Dashboard, the council decided to keep the dashboard running online, recognizing that simply having the devices in offices isn't enough. They recommended establishing the dashboard at the Ministry of Finance Headquarters, the governors' forum, key government ministries, and the offices of key development partners. This move aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and real-time monitoring of progress in the fight against malnutrition.

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