Nigeria Launches Nutrition 774 Initiative, Adopts New Policy To Combat Malnutrition

Nigeria has taken a major step toward addressing malnutrition with the launch of the Nutrition 774 Initiative and the adoption of a new national policy aimed at improving child health outcomes by 2035.

Speaking at the 15th meeting of the National Council on Nutrition (NCN), Vice President Kashim Shettima said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to tackling malnutrition across all levels of society. He emphasised that every Nigerian child must be treated as central to the national development agenda.

Shettima noted that the proposed National Nutrition Bill would serve as the legal foundation for the effort, ensuring sustained funding and clearly defining responsibilities across federal, state, and local governments.

At the meeting, the council also approved the National Policy on Food and Nutrition 2026–2035 (NPFN), describing it as a comprehensive, evidence-based framework designed to strengthen food security, protect human capital, and drive long-term development. The policy is expected to be presented to the Federal Executive Council for ratification.

The Vice President described the policy as one of the most significant nutrition strategies developed in Nigeria, highlighting its multi-sectoral approach and grassroots focus. He urged stakeholders to recognise the human impact behind policy decisions, stressing that outcomes would directly shape the future of millions of children.

To strengthen implementation, the council extended the timeline for submitting the draft National Nutrition Bill and directed that it be forwarded to the National Assembly within eight weeks.

Efforts to boost funding were also reinforced, with the inclusion of additional stakeholders such as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Commissioners of Finance Forum, and the Association of Local Governments in Nigeria in the nutrition financing sub-committee. Funding sources are expected to span domestic, bilateral, multilateral, private sector, and innovative channels.

The council further directed the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to work with relevant authorities to establish State Councils on Nutrition in the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory within three months, ensuring stronger sub-national ownership of the initiative.

In addition, a private sector-driven nutrition support platform is to be launched in collaboration with the Aliko Dangote Foundation and key government ministries, aimed at accelerating investment and innovation in the sector.

Stakeholders across public and private sectors expressed support for the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward reducing malnutrition and improving the quality of life for children nationwide.