Nigeria has taken a major step in its fight against malnutrition as the Federal Government approved a comprehensive 10-year National Policy on Food and Nutrition (2026–2035), signaling a renewed commitment to tackling one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges.
The policy was endorsed by the National Council on Nutrition (NCN) during its 15th meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The approval sets the stage for its transmission to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for final ratification, after which full-scale implementation is expected to begin across the country.
The newly adopted framework is designed as a multi-sectoral strategy that integrates efforts across health, agriculture, education, and social protection systems.
It aims to address food insecurity, improve nutrition outcomes, and strengthen human capital development over the next decade.
Speaking at the meeting, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasised that the policy goes beyond government deliberations and must translate into real improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
He highlighted the human dimension of the crisis, noting that behind every statistic is a child whose future depends on access to proper nutrition.
Describing the initiative as one of the most consequential nutrition policies in Nigeria’s history, he stressed that its success would be judged not by planning but by measurable outcomes at the grassroots level, particularly in communities across all 774 local government areas.
A key directive from the council is the immediate decentralisation of nutrition governance.
All 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been mandated to establish functional State Councils on Nutrition within three months.
This move is intended to strengthen sub-national ownership and ensure that interventions are effectively implemented at the local level.
In addition, state governments have been instructed to operationalise their multisectoral action plans on food and nutrition within six to nine months, further reinforcing the urgency of implementation.
The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has also been tasked with forwarding the policy to the Federal Executive Council, while all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are required to align their programmes, budgets, and policies with the new framework within a 12-month period.
The policy introduces a coordinated national approach to addressing malnutrition, recognising that the issue cannot be solved by a single sector.
Instead, it calls for collaboration across government institutions, private sector partners, and development organisations.
To strengthen legal backing, the council approved a six-week extension for the submission of a draft National Nutrition Bill, with a directive that it must be transmitted to the National Assembly within eight weeks.
The proposed legislation is expected to provide a sustainable legal and financial framework for nutrition interventions across all levels of government.
Funding has also been identified as a critical pillar of the policy.
In a move to enhance resource mobilisation, the council expanded the nutrition financing sub-committee to include key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the Commissioners of Finance Forum, and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria.
This expanded structure is expected to improve coordination, prevent duplication of efforts, and ensure that nutrition programmes are adequately funded and efficiently executed.
The policy also emphasises private sector participation as a key driver of success.
Plans are underway to establish a co-branded nutrition intervention platform in collaboration with organisations such as the Dangote Foundation, aimed at mobilising additional resources and expertise to support implementation.
At the centre of the implementation strategy is the “Nutrition 774 Initiative,” a nationwide framework designed to deliver nutrition interventions across all local government areas.
The initiative is expected to play a critical role in translating policy into action at the community level.
The urgency of the new policy reflects the scale of Nigeria’s nutrition crisis.
Millions of Nigerians, particularly children and vulnerable populations, continue to face food insecurity and malnutrition, with long-term implications for health, education, and economic productivity.
Experts warn that malnutrition not only affects physical growth but also cognitive development, reducing future earning potential and contributing to cycles of poverty.
Addressing the issue is therefore seen as essential to national development.
The Federal Government’s renewed focus on nutrition comes at a time when global and domestic economic pressures have intensified food insecurity.
Rising food prices, climate-related disruptions, and security challenges have all contributed to declining access to adequate nutrition for many households.
By adopting a long-term policy framework, the government aims to move beyond short-term interventions and establish a sustainable system capable of addressing both immediate needs and structural challenges.
Observers say the success of the policy will depend largely on implementation, funding consistency, and accountability mechanisms.
Previous nutrition strategies have faced challenges related to coordination and execution, making the current emphasis on measurable outcomes particularly significant.
For many Nigerians, the announcement represents a critical step toward addressing a long-standing crisis.
However, expectations remain high that the policy will deliver tangible improvements in food security, child health, and overall well-being.
As the policy moves toward final approval and implementation, attention will shift to how effectively government agencies, states, and partners translate the framework into real-world impact.
Ultimately, the 2026–2035 National Policy on Food and Nutrition represents more than a policy document—it is a national commitment to improving lives, strengthening human capital, and securing a healthier future for millions of Nigerians.