The House of Representatives is set to convene a three-day National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security from Wednesday, July 10, as part of efforts to combat the escalating issues of malnutrition and food insecurity across Nigeria.
Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Rep. Chike Okafor, Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security and member representing Imo State under the APC, made the announcement.
He revealed that the summit, themed “Curbing Malnutrition and Food Insecurity Through Effective Synergies,” is designed to be a broad-based, multi-sectoral engagement platform.
According to Okafor, despite decades of implementing national nutrition policies and various sectoral programs, the country continues to face alarmingly high levels of malnutrition and food insecurity.
Vulnerable groups such as children under the age of five, pregnant and nursing mothers, and residents in rural communities are the worst affected by this ongoing crisis.
He identified several compounding factors that have intensified the situation, including climate change, environmental degradation, persistent insecurity in major food-producing regions, and high inflation.
He added that the soaring cost of living and inadequate infrastructure for food storage, processing, and distribution have further worsened the problem.
The summit, Okafor explained, aims to bring together stakeholders from both the Executive and Legislative arms of government, spanning all tiers—federal, state, and local governments. It will also include participation from development partners, civil society, and the private sector.
Among the primary objectives of the summit are: Harmonizing legislative and policy responses to the pressing nutrition and food security challenges.
Exploring innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms for improving nutrition.
Facilitating public-private partnerships for the development of resilient and inclusive food systems.
Formulating strategic responses to climate-induced disruptions, economic instability, and insecurity.
Enhancing parliamentary oversight and accountability in the execution of nutrition-focused programs and budgets.
Ensuring that development partner interventions are aligned with national legislative priorities for greater impact and efficiency.
The summit will feature several high-profile guests and stakeholders. Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to serve as the Special Guest of Honour, while Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, will serve as the Chief Host.
Also scheduled to attend are Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State, all Service Chiefs, and heads of relevant federal and state agencies.
Key stakeholders expected at the summit include representatives of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), international organizations such as UNICEF, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, along with civil society groups and private sector actors.
Okafor concluded by emphasizing the anticipated outcomes of the summit, which include:
Strengthened legislative frameworks and improved coordination at both federal and state levels.
Enhanced tracking and allocation of budgetary resources for nutrition.
Clear policy reform recommendations.
Improved collaboration between development partners and legislative stakeholders, aimed at ensuring a unified and effective response to Nigeria’s nutritional challenges.