Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has introduced the framework for the federal government’s comprehensive “Nutrition 774 Initiative,” designed to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity across Nigeria. The program aims to improve nutritional outcomes in all 774 local government areas (LGAs) in the country, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader goal of ensuring food security for all Nigerians.
During a roundtable with development partners at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, VP Shettima emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to eradicating malnutrition alongside its efforts to boost food availability. He stated, “Our goal as a nation goes beyond having enough food stored in our barns and warehouses. We cannot claim success until every household in Nigeria has access to the prescribed, nutritious diets essential for a healthy life.”
The Nutrition 774 Initiative was previously endorsed by the National Economic Council (NEC) in its 144th meeting in September, positioning it as the federal government’s primary platform for combating malnutrition. Development partners were encouraged to provide financial and technical assistance to support the program’s implementation.
VP Shettima called on development partners to collaborate closely with the government, highlighting the importance of a joint effort in addressing Nigeria’s nutrition challenges. “This initiative must be owned equally by our development partners and the government, as we all have a stake in building a healthy and stable Nigeria,” he remarked.
The Nutrition 774 Initiative adopts a grassroots approach, empowering local communities to drive nutritional improvements in their areas. It also includes capacity-building measures, such as training health workers and community leaders to ensure long-term sustainability and local ownership of the program.
While addressing current challenges like floods and global inflationary pressures impacting food security, VP Shettima stressed the need for innovative responses that directly tackle these issues. He underscored the economic benefits of investing in nutrition, stating, “Every Naira spent on nourishing our people yields significant returns—not only in health but in the security and future of our nation.” The vice president also emphasized the importance of monitoring progress and incentivizing local government councils that demonstrate commitment to the initiative.
Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, praised the initiative as crucial in addressing malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations. He noted that under the leadership of the Vice President, the program will leverage national structures to bring together federal, state, and local governments alongside development partners to combat malnutrition systematically.
