No More Donor Dependence — Nigeria Backs Local Nutrition Funding

The Federal Government has announced a shift in its nutrition strategy, signalling reduced reliance on foreign donor funding and a stronger push toward domestic financing for nutrition and food security programmes.

Officials said the move is aimed at improving sustainability and ensuring that critical health and nutrition interventions are not disrupted by fluctuations in external aid.

The policy was discussed at a national nutrition roundtable where stakeholders from government, development partners, and the private sector explored ways to strengthen local funding mechanisms.

Authorities noted that Nigeria faces persistent challenges related to child malnutrition, maternal health, and food insecurity, making long-term domestic investment essential. They emphasized the need for increased budgetary allocation at both federal and state levels.

The government also encouraged private sector participation through public-private partnerships, tax incentives, and targeted social investment programmes.

Health experts welcomed the direction, saying local ownership of nutrition funding would improve accountability and allow for more tailored interventions that reflect community needs.

Implementation is expected to be phased, with a focus on integrating nutrition funding into broader health and agricultural policies.