In a concerted effort to address the pervasive issue of severe acute malnutrition within the nation, Vice President Kashim Shettima has formally inaugurated the Nutrition Core Working Committee (NCWC), a strategic body designated as the “intellectual powerhouse” in the fight against hunger and malnutrition across Nigeria.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where Senator Shettima, alongside senior government officials and key stakeholders, emphasized the pivotal role of the newly established committee. The Vice President stressed the importance of coordination and collaboration with the National Committee on Food and Nutrition (NCFN) to effectively combat the malnutrition crisis.
During the ceremony, Senator Shettima declared, “We are determined to reverse the negative nutrition indices of this country,” referencing his recent visit to Tudun Biri village in Kaduna State, where he witnessed the tragic consequences of malnutrition exacerbated by an unfortunate military drone strike. He asserted, “We have no excuse for poverty,” underscoring his commitment to addressing this pressing issue.
Acknowledging the immense potential for prosperity in Nigeria, Vice President Shettima expressed his passion for the cause and pledged unwavering support to the committee, labeling them as the “engine room” of this vital initiative. He urged committee members to commence their efforts by addressing malnutrition in the most vulnerable communities and advised them to provide expert advice and draw a comprehensive roadmap for the undertaking.
In his commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and malnutrition, the Vice President implored, “Let us do something truly impactful for Nigerians,” emphasizing the shared responsibility of the committee members and their role as expert advisors.
Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Uju Okorocha, emphasized that the issue of malnutrition extends beyond healthcare, encompassing education and broader socio-economic impacts. Okorocha highlighted the committee’s multi-sectoral approach, focusing on coordinated efforts across government agencies to deliver effective solutions. She also mentioned exploring innovative financing mechanisms to strengthen the fight against malnutrition.
Committee members, representing various entities including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the World Bank Group, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Nutrition International, the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, and the Civil Society Scaling-up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), emphasized the need for a dedicated delivery unit within the Vice President’s office to track progress and ensure accountability. They further advocated for the establishment of nutrition departments across all government ministries and agencies at both national and sub-national levels.
