Rep. Chike Okafor Seeks Imo State’s Inclusion in Nutrition Project, Reiterates Legislature’s Commitment to Food Security

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor, Ph.D., has called for the urgent inclusion of Imo State in the ongoing nutrition-sensitive pilot scheme spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Nigeria. 

The lawmaker made the appeal to the FAO during a high-level forum on implementing agriculture sector food and nutrition systems, held in Abuja on Thursday.

Hon. Okafor stressed the importance of adopting a nutrition-sensitive approach in tackling the country’s growing food insecurity and malnutrition challenges. 

He described the initiative as “timely, relevant, and imperative,” especially in the wake of recent commitments made at the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Conference in Paris, where significant resources were pledged to support Nigeria’s nutrition efforts.

According to him, the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, a novel creation of the 10th National Assembly under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D., GCON was inaugurated on February 29, 2024, with a clear mandate to provide robust legislative backing to the Executive in addressing food and nutrition concerns across the country.

In a bid to foster broad-based participation, Hon. Okafor recalled that the Committee had, between May 1 and May 4, 2024, convened a multi-stakeholder retreat involving key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, and Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly. 

This collaborative effort resulted in the formation of similar committees in all 36 states and the eventual creation of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security, inaugurated by the Speaker of the House.

The lawmaker commended the FAO for its consistent support, particularly the contributions of its Nutrition Specialists, namely; Jasper Batureine Mwesigwa and Ibrahim Isiaka, who participated in the committee’s key engagements, including the Owerri retreat and the network’s inauguration.

He also acknowledged the technical support from consultants sponsored by FAO, notably Barr. Sylvia Okpo and Dr. Chioma Casandra Ihekoronye. 

In addition to FAO, he expressed appreciation to Nutrition International, the World Food Programme, UNICEF, and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) for their collaborative efforts.

He highlighted the need for strong legal and policy frameworks to support nutrition outcomes.

Hon. Okafor emphasized the Committee’s intent to push for legislative reforms, including the elimination of multiple taxation on food products in transit, which contributes to food inflation, and laws addressing harmful cultural practices that impact child and maternal nutrition. 

He also called for a reappraisal of the under-implemented National Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food & Nutrition (2021–2025).

Hon. Okafor, beyond legislative reforms, pledged to work with partners to ensure increased domestic resource mobilization through appropriations and effective oversight at all levels of government.

“More money for nutrition must translate to more nutrition for the money.” He said.

The Chairman affirmed that the National Assembly and its counterparts in the states would monitor the pilot scheme to ensure accountability and sustainability.

He however voiced concerns over the exclusion of the South East and South South regions from the ongoing pilot project, which currently includes Lagos, Ogun, Niger, and Bauchi states. 

Making a passionate plea, Hon. Okafor, who represents Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, demanded the inclusion of Imo State, pledging full support from the state government, led by Governor Hope Uzodinma, who also chairs both the Progressive Governors Forum and the South East Governors Forum.

“I will not leave this podium until you make that promise to include my dear Imo State,” he declared.

In response, the Deputy Country Representative of the FAO, Dr. Toafiq, assured Hon. Okafor that Imo State would be included in the pilot scheme as the fifth participating state, recognizing its strategic importance and readiness to engage fully with the project.

Additionally, the Director of the Nutrition and Food Safety Department at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Nuhu Kilishi, pledged to include Imo State in the Junior Farmers Field and Business School programme, following Hon. Okafor’s persistent advocacy.

The Chairman concluded by reaffirming the Committee’s readiness at both federal and state levels to support efforts aimed at reducing malnutrition and food insecurity across the country.

“Working together, we will significantly reduce malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria,” Hon. Okafor said.