Shettima Advances Nigeria's National Food and Nutrition Bill

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced Nigeria's commitment to accelerate the development of a National Food and Nutrition Bill during the Nigeria-Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange Forum held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This legislation aims to protect financing, enhance accountability, and sustain interventions against malnutrition across successive administrations.

Shettima highlighted that the National Policy on Food and Nutrition 2026–2035 aims to reduce stunting rates to 32% by 2029, 28% by 2032, and 25% by 2035. The Nigerian delegation included governors from various states, such as Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State and Dr Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.

Shettima noted that nutrition committees have been established in 32 State Houses of Assembly and over 450 local governments. He emphasized the importance of a unified response to malnutrition, with the Nutrition 774 Initiative serving as a framework for collaboration among all government tiers.

Additionally, Nigeria's $26 million commitment to the Child Nutrition Fund has attracted matching support, unlocking a total of $52 million.