National Council on Nutrition Approves National Nutrition Dashboard to Address Food and Health Concerns in Nigeria

By Milcah Tanimu

The National Council on Nutrition (NCN) has recently announced a series of initiatives aimed at combating malnutrition and enhancing food security across Nigeria. This includes the approval of a national nutrition dashboard, as highlighted during a meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Key Initiatives:

1. National Nutrition Dashboard:

• The creation of a national nutrition dashboard hosted by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
• Designed to provide oversight and coordination of nutrition-related initiatives nationwide.
• Accessible through the NCN website to enhance transparency and facilitate data-driven decision-making.

1. Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit:

• Established within the Presidential Economic Coordination Committee.
• Aims to address food crises and promote resilient and sustainable food systems in Nigeria.

1. Collaborative Efforts and Commitments:

• Vice President Shettima emphasized the importance of collaboration among ministries, departments, agencies, development partners, and stakeholders.
• Acknowledged ongoing efforts in the nutrition sector and assured readiness for further collaboration with development partners.

1. Sectoral Efforts and Priorities:

• Highlighted efforts by ministries such as Health, Economy, Finance, and Agriculture in securing resources, accelerating cash transfers, and improving food availability and affordability.
• Detailed eight priority areas including enhancing value chains, promoting nutrition research, and improving food safety and nutrition education.

Government Commitment:
Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing nutrition as integral to national development. He underscored the meeting’s focus on actionable recommendations and the effective implementation of existing nutrition intervention programs.

In conclusion, the NCN’s approval of the national nutrition dashboard marks a significant step towards addressing food and health concerns in Nigeria, underlining the government’s proactive approach to enhancing nutritional well-being across the country.