Governors Set Up Fund to Fight Malnutrition in Nigeria

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) will create a National Nutrition Intervention Fund. This fund will help carry out the Nutrition 774 Initiative in all local government areas across the country.

This information was shared by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Saturday in Abuja.

Mr Nkwocha quoted Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara. He made this announcement in Ethiopia while reading the NGF-Addis Ababa Commitment on Nutrition.

Governor Lawal explained that the new fund aims to encourage state leadership, boost local investment, reward good implementation, and improve nutrition outcomes.

He said the governors of all 36 states have agreed to fight hunger by starting a nationwide nutrition emergency.

“This big effort will create a strong National Nutrition Intervention Fund to quickly push Nigeria’s ambitious Nutrition 774 Initiative in every local government area in Nigeria.

“This commitment came after a three-day Nigeria-Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange. The Nigerian team, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, looked at Ethiopia’s methods for delivering nutrition.

“Particularly through its Seqota Declaration. From lessons to commitment: Accelerating Implementation of the Nutrition 774 Initiative,” the governor said.

Mr Lawal said the governors promised to improve local funding, ensure accountability at the grassroots, and set up a unified system for nutrition planning and budgeting.

He noted that the exchange highlighted the need for strong political leadership, effective coordination, and ownership at all government levels.

He added that Nigeria’s Nutrition 774 Initiative already includes many of the principles observed in Ethiopia. The exchange offered practical lessons to strengthen the programme and achieve measurable results.

“We are encouraged that Nigeria’s N774 Initiative already embodies many of the principles we have seen here in Ethiopia.

“This leadership exchange has, however, provided important practical lessons on how these principles can be further strengthened and translated into results,” he stated.

Mr Lawal remembered that all three levels of government signed the Nutrition Compact on February 20, 2025, to show a common commitment to fighting malnutrition.

He explained that the compact was signed by the Chairman of the NGF for the 36 states and the President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) for the 774 local governments.

Muyi Aina, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said the federal government would start targeted nutrition efforts in two states.

Mr Aina, speaking for federal agencies, said the Nigerian delegation learned key lessons from Ethiopia’s agricultural changes, early childhood development programmes, and data-focused initiatives.

He pointed out that clear vision and leadership, unity among the three government tiers, evidence-based priorities, careful measurement, and strict execution are essential for sustainable results.

The federal team will take a focused approach by selecting two states based on their stunting issues. They will set clear goals and develop interventions that fit their needs.

Relevant ministers and federal agencies will team up with governors to identify priorities and clarify each government’s responsibilities.

Mr Aina explained that the plan would have a budget, with the governments working towards a shared financing plan and setting measurable indicators to track progress.

“We will track very rigorously progress in the execution of the plan,” he said.

Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said the exchange offered valuable lessons on turning political commitments into real actions and measurable nutrition results.

Mr Pate identified focused sectoral action, a clear implementation plan, performance measures, and accountability as key to speeding up Nigeria’s fight against malnutrition.

He said the federal government will work with states to make the promises made during the exchange into real actions, with updates reported to the vice president through the National Council on Nutrition.

Mr Pate believes that the combined efforts of federal and state governments, communities, and development partners will be vital for achieving lasting results.

He is confident that Nigeria can adapt Ethiopia’s experiences to fit its own needs.

The minister mentioned that Ethiopia’s progress shows the importance of strong political leadership and coordinated efforts.

Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, Mekdes Daba, praised Nigeria for its commitment to improving nutrition delivery.

Daba called the leadership exchange a great example of African countries learning from each other. She noted that the Nutrition 774 Initiative shows a strong national commitment.