Nigeria's VP Shettima Pushes for National Nutrition Bill

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced Nigeria's commitment to advancing a National Food and Nutrition Bill to enhance nutrition financing and accountability during the Nigeria-Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen the Federal Government’s Nutrition 774 Initiative and foster collaboration among federal, state, and local governments to address malnutrition at the community level.

The National Policy on Food and Nutrition 2026–2035 sets ambitious targets to reduce the stunting rate to 32% by 2029, 28% by 2032, and 25% by 2035. The Nigerian delegation included several state governors and key ministers, highlighting the importance of legislative support for nutrition initiatives.

Shettima emphasized the establishment of nutrition committees in 32 State Houses of Assembly and over 450 local governments, advocating for a unified response to malnutrition. The Nutrition 774 Initiative is designed to integrate efforts across all government tiers, with local councils playing a crucial role in implementation.