The Nigerian government has introduced a new nationwide nutrition strategy, the “Nutrition 774 Initiative,” aimed at combating malnutrition and food insecurity in all 774 local government areas (LGAs) across the country.
The Federal Government announced the program at a roundtable with development partners in Abuja, highlighting the need for food security and improved health outcomes. The initiative is a comprehensive approach to improving nutritional standards, especially in communities where malnutrition rates are critically high.
The “Nutrition 774 Initiative” was endorsed by the National Economic Council (NEC) and is expected to address malnutrition systemically by connecting efforts in agriculture, health, water, sanitation, and social protection. Vice President Shettima emphasized the urgent need to ensure that Nigerian households have consistent access to balanced diets, saying, “Our vision goes beyond full barns; it is about every Nigerian household having access to the right nutrition for a healthy life.” Current data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that 37% of children under five are stunted due to malnutrition, while UNICEF estimates that about 14 million people face food insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in vulnerable regions.
The initiative also intends to build local capacity by training health workers and empowering local leaders, ensuring that communities are actively involved in driving better nutrition. “Nutrition 774” seeks to reduce dependency on imported food and strengthen the country’s food system by encouraging local agriculture and investment in food production. The Vice President called on development partners to support this mission, stating that “collaboration is key” to achieving sustainable nutritional outcomes.
Development partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and USAID, expressed their full support, recognizing the program as a “compelling and timely” response to Nigeria’s food crisis. World Bank Country Director Ndiamé Diop noted that the Nutrition 774 framework aligns with global best practices and pledged resources to help actualize the program’s goals. USAID Mission Director Melissa Jones added that addressing malnutrition, particularly amidst climate challenges and natural disasters, would require “bold, collaborative leadership.”
The initiative’s collaborative model aims to attract funds and resources from both public and private sectors, with international partners committing to long-term financial and technical support. Representatives from UNICEF, the EU, and other global organizations applauded the government’s focus on empowering local councils and underscored the importance of monitoring and accountability in ensuring the success of the program.
