Stakeholder Groups Advocate For Policy Changes To Tackle Food Insecurity In Nigeria

Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), National Economic Summit Group (NESG), E-Health Africa, and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) have put forward recommendations to the federal government to tackle the deepening food crisis in the nation….READ ALSO

In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of a two-day retreat for Relevant Committees of the National Assembly (NASS) on Food Fortification, Workforce Nutrition, and Food Systems Transformation held in Lagos on Thursday and Friday, the groups highlighted essential strategies.

The communiqué emphasized the retreat’s objective to empower NASS members with the necessary knowledge and tools for formulating and executing effective policies and bills to drive food fortification, workforce nutrition, and sustainable food systems transformation, ultimately enhancing the health and economic well-being of Nigerians.

The organizations made several observations, including the significant challenges of poverty, food insecurity, malnutrition, and diseases facing Nigeria. They noted that food systems’ shortcomings exacerbate these problems while presenting opportunities for improvement.

Furthermore, they highlighted the adverse impact of multidimensional insecurity challenges stemming from armed groups’ activities on food production, distribution, and workforce productivity nationwide. Poor storage and processing leading to high post-harvest food losses were identified as hindrances to food security, alongside soaring food prices plunging households into hunger.

The communiqué also referenced the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning’s publication of a multisectoral “National Pathways to Food Systems Transformation” document outlining various ministries’ roles in transforming food systems. However, limited awareness about this document was noted.

Additionally, the absence of a workforce nutrition policy was cited as contributing to workforce malnutrition, with detrimental effects on health, productivity, and economic development. Compliance issues with longstanding regulations mandating food fortification and gaps in existing policies for food systems and nutrition were also highlighted, including the need for intentional connections with climate change in national food and nutrition policies.