Vice President Kashim Shettima has raised concern over the devastating impact of malnutrition on Nigerian children, noting that it deprives about 40% of children under five of their physical and cognitive potential.

Speaking at the National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security, Shettima, represented by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia,Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), made this known at the National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, as part of the House’s Open Week activities.

He highlighted the government’s renewed commitment through the Nutrition 774 Initiative, a grassroots-focused program aimed at addressing nutrition challenges in underserved communities.

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, nutrition is being repositioned as a priority for national development. The Vice President emphasized the need for adequate budgetary allocations, legislative oversight, and transforming nutrition from a charitable issue to a matter of national justice.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen represented by Hon. Julius Ihonvbere warned that malnutrition costs Nigeria an estimated $56 billion annually (about 12.2% of GNI), with post-harvest losses adding another $2 billion.

He also highlighted how multiple levies on food transport increase prices and worsen food insecurity.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security stressed that insecurity, particularly in the Northeast, Northwest, and North Central, keeps farmers away from their land, contributing to food scarcity urging the government to prioritize security in these food-producing areas.

Uju Anwukah, SSA to the President on Public Health, called for a unified national voice and approach to address nutrition challenges effectively.

Micheal Ojo, Country Director of GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition), noted that while the federal government can make policies, meaningful action must occur at the state and local levels, where farming and food processing activities take place.

He urged collaborative efforts across all tiers of government and development partners to implement sustainable solutions.