Nutrition Int’l hails FG for shaping nutrition agenda, pledges support

By Ochiaka Ugwu

The Nutrition International has commended the Nigerian Government for showing strong leadership in convening stakeholders across sectors to shape the next stage of Nigeria’s nutrition program.

Relaying the commendation through the Department of Nutrition of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning at a stakeholders’ meeting on the development of New National Multisectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition 2026-2030 in Abuja Monday, Country Director of Nutrition International, Dr Osita Okonkwo said the Nutrition body remains committed to supporting the Government of Nigeria and all partners in the process.

Okonkwo said the development of the plan was both timely and strategic, as it provides an opportunity to consolidate progress, address persistent nutrition challenges, and align national priorities with global commitments on nutrition, food systems, and sustainable development.

He revealed that malnutrition remains one of the most significant threats to human capital development as stunting, micronutrient deficiencies, and poor maternal nutrition continue to affect millions of women and children, undermining health outcomes, educational attainment, and national productivity.

He said that addressing the challenges requires coordinated action across multiple sectors including health, agriculture, education, social protection, water and sanitation, and finance.

He noted that Nutrition International was proud to be a longstanding partner to Nigeria in advancing evidence-based nutrition interventions.

According to Okonkwo, “Our work has supported large-scale vitamin A supplementation, maternal nutrition initiatives such as multiple micronutrient supplementation, and strengthened nutrition governance through collaboration with key institutions including the National Assembly and the Office of the Vice President.

“As the country develops the MMPFAN 2026–2030, it is important that the plan is anchored on strong data, clear accountability mechanisms, sustainable financing, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. A well-coordinated multisectoral plan will not only accelerate progress toward improved nutrition outcomes but also strengthen Nigeria’s broader development agenda.

“Nutrition International remains committed to supporting the Government of Nigeria and all partners in this process. We look forward to contributing technical expertise, global experience, and strategic partnerships to ensure that the new plan is ambitious, implementable, and adequately resourced.

‘Together, we can build a future where every Nigerian woman and child has access to the nutrition they need to survive, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to national development” he concluded.

Recall the Nutrition international has been working closely with government agencies, partners and key stakeholders in Nigeria to implement lifesaving and life-enhancing nutrition interventions.