Boma Achenimie 
The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has said there must be collaboration between all ministries and agencies of government to address the country’s nutritional crisis.
Shettima who spoke on Tuesday at a meeting of the National Council on Nutrition (NCN) held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima said they recognized the urgency of the food crises and were addressing its underlying causes with a view to developing more resilient and sustainable food systems.
This was as he said President Bola Tinubu’s administration was committed to improving the nutritional status of every Nigerian.
In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Vice President office) Shettima commended NCN and ministries and agencies for effort in carrying out policies of the government towards addressing issues of food inflation and nutrition.
“We are willing and ready to work with you for the good of the Nigerian nation. Let us forge ahead with optimism and resolve, knowing that together we are making substantial changes in the lives of our people. I extend my gratitude for your steadfast support and diligent efforts.
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“Collaboration is paramount to our continued success in addressing national nutrition challenges, and I encourage active and proactive participation from all involved ministries and partners, as your contributions are essential to our progress.
“Together, through robust and dynamic collaboration, we can achieve significant advancements in our mission to improve nutritional outcomes for all citizens. All the ministers are willing to collaborate with each other, anchored on maturity, mutual trust and confidence,” Shettima said.
In his address, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi said enhancing value chains for improved nutrition, diversifying household production and consumption with a focus on women, improving access to micronutrient-rich foods, and enhancing food safety along the value chain are priorities of the government to address nutrition issues of the citizens.
Abdullahi said the government “plans to build resilience and social protection networks for vulnerable groups, promote nutrition research, and improve the agriculture sector’s capacity to address food security and nutrition problems.”
He said the government would also provide “nutrition education, social marketing, and advocacy, as well as conducting nutrition surveillance, monitoring and evaluation” to ensure the effectiveness of the initiatives.
