The Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Chike Okafor, Ph.D., has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s nutrition framework.
Hon. Okafor delivered a keynote address at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning review meeting, held in collaboration with the Social Policy Unit of UNICEF, to assess the draft 2025-2027 work plan of all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) under the National Council on Nutrition.
The event, which took place at the Reiz Continental Hotel, on Thursday, 13 February, 2025, was themed “Review and Finalization of the Standard Operating Procedures for the Nutrition 774 Initiative.”
In his remarks, Hon. Okafor commended state legislators for their efforts in institutionalizing the National Legislative Network on Nutrition, which was inaugurated in July 2024.
The legislator emphasized the need for accountability, expansion, and sustainability of key initiatives.
He noted that, as a result, all state legislatures now have functional committees on nutrition, marking a significant step toward a more coordinated approach to tackling malnutrition nationwide.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Vitalis Emeka Obi; Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding; Special Adviser to the President on Public Health, Uju Rochas; state legislators; representatives from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON); the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security, Health and Social Welfare, and Information and National Orientation; the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); and officials from Nutrition International, among others.
Addressing the need for urgent action, Hon. Okafor emphasized that while a significant percentage of residents in the Federal Capital Territory can afford proper meals, millions of Nigerians still face food insecurity and malnutrition.
He reaffirmed that the House Committee has “zero tolerance for complacency” in addressing these challenges, describing the Nutrition 774 Initiative as a transformative effort currently strengthening the country’s nutrition and food systems.
To ensure transparency and effectiveness, he highlighted ongoing efforts to expand the initiative to all 774 local government areas of Nigeria.
“It is my hope that this formulation will serve as a guide for MDAs as we refine and implement strategies to enhance food security and nutritional standards across the country,” he stated.
Hon. Okafor further assured that, as the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security approaches its first anniversary, its agenda has remained and will continue to be in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring that food and nutrition security remain a top priority in national development policies.
In conclusion to his speech, he indicated the social and economic impact of malnutrition, quoting: “The rich cannot sleep as long as the poor is awake”, which is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address hunger and food insecurity.
His remarks were met with a standing ovation, underscoring the strong support for his leadership in advancing Nigeria’s nutrition and food security agenda.
