Abuja: The House of Representatives is set to organize a three-day national summit on nutrition and food security starting Wednesday, July 10, aiming to tackle the pressing issue of malnutrition in the country. This announcement was made by Rep. Chike Okafor, Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, during a news conference in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the summit, themed ‘Curbing Malnutrition and Food Insecurity Through Effective Synergies,’ seeks to address ongoing challenges in improving nutrition and food systems in Nigeria. Despite existing national policies and programs, the country continues to face high rates of malnutrition and food insecurity, disproportionately affecting children under five, pregnant and nursing mothers, and vulnerable rural populations.
Rep. Okafor highlighted that climate change, environmental degradation, insecurity in food-producing regions, and high inflation are exacerbating these issues. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure for food storage, processing, and distribution remains a significant hurdle.
The summit is envisioned as a platform for multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder engagement, bringing together representatives from the Executive and Legislative branches at all government levels, alongside development partners and the private sector. Its core objectives include harmonizing legislative and policy responses to nutrition and food security challenges and exploring sustainable financing mechanisms for nutrition.
The summit will also aim to promote public-private partnerships and develop strategies for building resilient and inclusive food systems amid climate shocks and economic disruptions. Strengthening parliamentary oversight and aligning development partner interventions with national priorities are also on the agenda.
Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima will serve as the special guest of honor, with Speaker Rep. Tajudeen Abbas as the chief host. Notable attendees will include Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger, service chiefs, and heads of relevant agencies. Representatives from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), UNICEF, FAO, Gates Foundation, and civil society organizations are also expected.
The anticipated outcomes of the summit include improved legislative frameworks for nutrition and food security, enhanced budgetary appropriations and tracking, and strengthened coordination between development partners and legislative stakeholders.