In a bid to combat hunger and malnutrition, Nigeria's 36 state governors have declared a nationwide nutrition emergency. This move is part of a broader effort to implement the Nutrition 774 Initiative across every local government area in the country. The governors made this commitment during a session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they studied Ethiopia's experience in nutrition delivery.
The Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) Addis Ababa Commitment on Nutrition was read by Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, on Friday. This commitment follows a three-day Nigeria-Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange, where the Nigerian delegation, led by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, gained insights into Ethiopia's Seqota Declaration. The exchange aimed to equip Nigeria with practical lessons to strengthen its nutrition programme.
The governors have pledged to strengthen domestic financing, deepen accountability at the grassroots, and institutionalize a unified framework for nutrition planning and budgeting. These measures draw lessons from Ethiopia's experience in tackling malnutrition. According to Governor Lawal, the exchange reinforced the importance of sustained political leadership, effective multisectoral coordination, and predictable financing in driving nutrition outcomes.
The Nutrition 774 Initiative, which already embodies many of Ethiopia's principles, is set to be bolstered by the lessons learned from the exchange. Governor Lawal noted that key lessons included the need for a unified approach to planning and budgeting, stronger coordination across sectors, and the use of data to drive decisions and accountability. The governors also identified matching financing between the Federal Government and states as a crucial mechanism for aligning priorities.
The NGF commitment is a follow-up to the Nutrition Compact signed on February 20, 2025, by the three tiers of government. This compact established a common commitment to tackling malnutrition, with the 36 states, 774 local governments, and the Federal Government pledging to work together. The latest commitment aims to adapt lessons from Ethiopia to Nigeria's circumstances and translate them into tangible results.
A key aspect of the governors' commitment is the establishment of a powerful National Nutrition Intervention Fund. This fund will provide instant support to the Nutrition 774 Initiative, enabling it to reach every local government area in the country. By doing so, the governors aim to make a significant impact on malnutrition rates and improve the overall well-being of Nigerians.
The governors' resolve to tackle hunger and malnutrition has been welcomed by various stakeholders. With a unified approach and predictable financing, Nigeria is poised to make progress in addressing its nutrition challenges. The implementation of the Nutrition 774 Initiative and the National Nutrition Intervention Fund will be crucial in driving this progress and ensuring a healthier future for Nigerians.
Key points
- Nigerian governors have committed to launching a nationwide nutrition emergency to tackle hunger and malnutrition.
- The governors have pledged to establish a National Nutrition Intervention Fund to support the Nutrition 774 Initiative.
- The commitment follows a Nigeria-Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange, where Nigerian officials studied Ethiopia's experience in nutrition delivery.
