Presidency: Nigeria needs a multi-stakeholder approach to tackle malnutrition

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Presidency has emphasized the need for a multi-stakeholder approach in the ongoing efforts to combat the problem of malnutrition in Nigeria, stating that improved nutrition is crucial for national development and economic growth.

The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, made the call yesterday during a press conference ahead of a high-level dialogue with religious leaders on nutrition scheduled for Tuesday April 2024 at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, chairman of the National Council for Nutrition (NCN), would deliver the keynote address at the event.

Hadejia emphasized the need for joint efforts involving government, religious institutions, traditional authorities and development partners.

According to him, the government cannot afford to neglect the issue of nutrition as it “directly impacts human capital development, economic productivity and our overall trajectory as a country.”

He commended the efforts of the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) Project, funded by the World Bank, for its innovative approach to harnessing the influence of faith leaders in promoting positive behavior change and sustainable nutrition practices.

“President Bola Tinubu is passionately committed to promoting initiatives that promote sustainable food activities in our country.

“The event will bring together state governors, ministers, development partners and leading faith communities and traditional institutions to align efforts with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.”

He further noted that the upcoming high-level dialogue between the National Council on Nutrition and faith leaders will provide a platform for strategic discussions and commitments for investments in sustainable nutrition for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Earlier, the National Project Manager of the ANRiN Project, Dr. Ojuolape Solanke, observed the priority given by the government to malnutrition, and acknowledged its impact on growth, development and economic prosperity.

“The first thousand days of a child’s life are crucial to their development, and missing this opportunity will result in the loss of a significant population that is critical to economic growth,” she said, adding that “ the Vice President, as Chairman of the National Council on Nutrition, has the energy and determination to keep the issue of malnutrition on the agenda,” Solanke affirmed.

Also emphasizing, the Kaduna Program Manager for ANRiN, Dr. Zainab Kwaru Muhammad-Idris, the implementation of the project at the local community level, where there is access to nutrition services.

“Faith leaders play a crucial role in ensuring that the right messages reach people. We work closely with them to promote better nutrition practices, even in times of food abundance,” she said.

The Executive Director of the Center for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), Babafunke Fagbemi, added that faith leaders play an important role in institutionalizing efforts to tackle malnutrition by maximizing their influence.

“We identified religious, gender and social norms that hinder the adoption of best practices. Faith leaders have been able to reach more than six million members of their congregations with messages that increase self-efficacy regarding improved nutrition in their communities,” said Fagbemi.