'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Vice President Kashim Shettima in a strategic move to address the growing challenges of malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria, today launched the framework for the government’s comprehensive nutrition programme, known as the "Nutrition 774 Initiative." The programme, which aims to enhance nutritional outcomes across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country, was unveiled during a roundtable meeting with development partners at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Nutrition 774 Initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader agenda to ensure food security and availability for all Nigerians. In his address, Vice President Shettima emphasized that this initiative is part of the government’s commitment to combating malnutrition and securing the well-being of vulnerable populations.
“Our administration recognizes the severe impact of malnutrition on the health and development of our people, particularly children and pregnant women,” said Vice President Shettima. “The Nutrition 774 Initiative is a decisive step towards ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location, has access to adequate nutrition. This is essential to breaking the cycle of malnutrition and food insecurity.”
He further noted that President Tinubu has placed a high priority on food availability, a goal that goes hand-in-hand with efforts to eradicate malnutrition. The initiative is expected to bring substantial improvement in the health and nutritional status of Nigerians by leveraging local resources and partnerships with key stakeholders.
The roundtable meeting included representatives from international development partners, non-governmental organizations, and private sector stakeholders who have expressed their support for the programme. The discussions focused on strategies to ensure the sustainability of the initiative and how various stakeholders could collaborate to achieve its goals.
The Nutrition 774 Initiative is designed to target the most affected regions in Nigeria, with specific emphasis on rural areas where malnutrition rates are highest. The programme will focus on increasing access to nutritious food, promoting dietary education, and encouraging agricultural practices that support food production at the community level.
Vice President Shettima highlighted that the initiative would not only address immediate nutritional needs but also contribute to long-term food security by fostering self-reliance in food production. “We want to create a system where Nigerians have the knowledge and resources to produce and consume healthy food locally. This will strengthen our economy and ensure that future generations are healthier and more resilient.”
The Vice President also emphasized the importance of collaboration, calling on all stakeholders to play their part in the fight against malnutrition. He pointed out that while the government will provide leadership and policy direction, the success of the programme will depend on the collective efforts of the private sector, development partners, and communities.
As the programme rolls out across the country, the government plans to monitor progress closely and make adjustments where necessary to ensure that its objectives are met. This will include regular assessments of nutritional outcomes in the various LGAs and continued dialogue with partners to address any challenges.
The Nutrition 774 Initiative is seen as a landmark effort in Nigeria’s fight against malnutrition and food insecurity, and it aligns with global sustainable development goals related to health and well-being.
Vice President Shettima concluded his remarks by reiterating the government's unwavering commitment to improving the nutritional health of Nigerians. “The well-being of our people is the foundation upon which we will build a stronger, more prosperous nation. We are determined to ensure that every Nigerian has the opportunity to lead a healthy, productive life free from the scourge of malnutrition,” he said.
This initiative marks another major step in the Tinubu administration’s broader vision of building a Nigeria that is food secure, healthy, and economically vibrant.