Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has called on state governors, ministers, local government chairmen, and private sector stakeholders to take urgent and decisive action against the growing crisis of malnutrition in Nigeria.
Speaking on Thursday at the official launch of the Nutrition 774 Initiative during the 148th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima emphasized that malnutrition goes beyond health concerns, posing a major threat to national productivity, education, and growth.
“About 40% of Nigerian children under five suffer from stunting, 8% from wasting, and 27% are underweight,” Shettima noted, stressing that these alarming figures represent real children whose futures are at risk before life has even begun.
The Nutrition 774 Initiative, described as the first government-led, large-scale intervention against malnutrition, aims to provide life-saving nutritional support to mothers and children across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
“This initiative focuses on grassroots impact, ensuring that mothers and children in every community have access to critical nutrition support,” Shettima said, highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to tackling malnutrition as a national priority.
He called on all stakeholders to collaborate, noting that the success of the initiative depends on sustained investment and collective effort.
“The compact we sign today is not just ink on paper—it’s a pledge to millions of Nigerian children who deserve a future free from the shackles of malnutrition,” Shettima declared.
He concluded by urging all parties to recognize the long-term benefits of investing in the nation’s health, stating, “A well-nourished population is the best insurance for Nigeria’s future.”
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