The Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima has urged state governors, ministers, local government chairmen, and other stakeholders, including those in the private sector, to take immediate and effective action against the widespread issue of malnutrition in Nigeria.
Shettima made these remarks during the official launch of the Nutrition 774 Initiative at the 148th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), held at the State House in Abuja.
He stressed that the consequences of malnutrition extend beyond the health sector and act as a fundamental barrier to productivity, education, and the country’s overall development.
Speaking about the alarming statistics on malnutrition in the country, Shettima pointed out that around 40 percent of Nigerian children under the age of five suffer from stunting, 8 percent from wasting, and 27 percent from underweight.
These figures, he noted, reflect the faces of children whose futures are in jeopardy even before they begin their lives.
This made the launch of the Nutrition 774 Initiative an essential turning point in addressing these challenges.
The Vice President emphasized that President Bola Tinubu sees the initiative as a national priority and a fulfillment of his promise to Nigerians.
He explained that the initiative’s focus is on grassroots impact, ensuring that mothers and children in every community have access to vital nutrition support.
This, he said, is a critical step toward reversing the trend of malnutrition in Nigeria.
Shettima called on all stakeholders to get involved, noting that the success of the initiative depends on the collaboration and resources provided by everyone, from government officials to private sector partners.
He highlighted that the Nutrition 774 Initiative is Nigeria’s first large-scale government effort to tackle malnutrition.
The program is designed to improve coordination, financing, and accountability, while adopting a community-driven approach that tailors solutions to the unique needs of each area.
He further appealed to those present to take this initiative seriously, stressing that it is not just a policy but a deep commitment to the lives of millions of Nigerian children who deserve a brighter future.
The Vice President stated that the investments made today in the health and well-being of Nigeria’s children will pay off in the future, strengthening the nation as a whole.
Governor of Kwara state, AbdulRazaq Abdulrahman, speaking on behalf of the country’s 36 governors, pledged their support for the initiative.
Local government chairmen and representatives from other sectors also expressed their commitment to ensuring the success of the program.
In addition to the launch of the Nutrition 774 Initiative, members of the National Economic Council commended the Economic Management Team (EMT) for presenting priorities for 2025.
During the meeting, the members reviewed the economic indices presented by Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
They emphasized that Nigeria is on the right track and urged continued focus on providing a stable environment for economic growth and development.
The NEC’s discussions underscored the importance of working together to build a healthier and more prosperous nation.
