Nigerian Governors Launch National Nutrition Fund Initiative

The governors of Nigeria's 36 states declared a nationwide nutrition emergency, committing to launch the National Nutrition Intervention Fund to support the Nutrition 774 Initiative across all local government areas. This announcement was made by Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Addis Ababa Commitment on Nutrition.

The commitment followed a three-day Nigeria-Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange, where the Nigerian delegation, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, learned from Ethiopia's Seqota Declaration on nutrition delivery. The governors pledged to enhance domestic financing, accountability, and a unified framework for nutrition planning and budgeting.

Governor Lawal emphasized the importance of political leadership, multisectoral coordination, and data-driven decision-making. He noted that the Nutrition 774 Initiative already reflects many principles observed in Ethiopia, and the exchange provided practical lessons for improvement.

The governors also recognized the need for matching financing between federal and state governments to align priorities and reinforce accountability for nutrition outcomes.