FG Moves to Ratify 10-Year Nutrition Policy

The Federal Government has taken a decisive step toward addressing malnutrition with plans to ratify a comprehensive 10-year National Policy on Food and Nutrition, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s food systems and improving public health outcomes nationwide.

The policy, which spans 2026 to 2035, was adopted by the National Council on Nutrition and is now awaiting approval by the Federal Executive Council. Officials say the framework will guide coordinated action across federal, state, and local governments to tackle undernutrition, food insecurity, and diet-related diseases.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the council, said the initiative aligns with the administration’s broader development agenda and will serve as a blueprint for sustainable nutrition interventions. He noted that the government is also launching the “Nutrition 774 Initiative” to ensure grassroots implementation across all local government areas.

According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the policy emphasizes multi-sector collaboration involving agriculture, education, water resources, and social protection systems. It aims to reduce stunting among children, improve maternal nutrition, and promote healthier dietary practices.

States and the Federal Capital Territory have been given a three-month deadline to establish functional nutrition councils to domesticate the policy. Development partners, including international agencies, have pledged technical and financial support for implementation.

Experts say Nigeria continues to face significant nutrition challenges, with millions of children affected by stunting and wasting. They argue that consistent funding, political will, and community engagement will be critical to achieving the policy’s targets.

If ratified, the new policy is expected to replace the existing framework and position Nigeria to meet global nutrition targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.