FG plans nutrition bill fast-track – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced plans to fast-track the development of a National Food and Nutrition Bill at the Nigeria-Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The proposed law aims to protect nutrition financing, enforce accountability beyond any administration, and strengthen the Federal Government's Nutrition 774 Initiative.

Shettima revealed that 32 state houses of assembly would have nutrition committees, and the bill would deepen a compact among federal, state and local governments to deliver a unified response to malnutrition. The government has already committed $26m to the Child Nutrition Fund, which attracted matching support, unlocking $52m.

Since 2023, 21 states have contributed $6.3m for supplies to prevent and treat malnutrition. The Nutrition Financing Subcommittee is working to mobilize additional domestic resources. Nigeria's National Policy on Food and Nutrition 2026-2035 targets cutting the country's stunting rate from 40% to 25% by 2035. The urgency of reforms is underscored by the fact that 40% of Nigerian children under five are stunted, costing the economy an estimated $56bn annually.

Shettima noted that nutrition committees have been established in more than 450 local government areas, and the government is strengthening state councils and delivery capacity at all levels. He also highlighted the Private Sector Engagement Framework, engaging food vendors, small and medium enterprises, manufacturers, financiers, and regulators to improve the availability and affordability of nutritious food.

Shettima and Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister, Temesgen Tiruneh, signed a joint statement expressing their commitment to continued cooperation on nutrition.