Nigeria Launches Food Procurement Guidelines for Health

The Federal Government of Nigeria launched the National Food Procurement Guidelines on Monday at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, with Dr. Iziak Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, delivering the keynote address. This initiative represents a significant milestone in aligning public procurement with national health and nutrition priorities.

Dr. Salako emphasized that public procurement decisions should reflect national priorities and not merely serve as compliance exercises. The guidelines aim to improve health outcomes by promoting balanced diets and addressing the growing burden of diet-related diseases, which contribute to approximately 7.2 million deaths globally each year.

The guidelines also set limits on sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats in food products. The launch is part of the Tinubu administration's broader commitment to enhancing public health and nutrition, with a focus on reducing malnutrition, which is linked to nearly half of all deaths in Nigeria.

The government aims to leverage its purchasing power to shape food environments and encourage healthier food options.