Jigawa State Nutrition Council inaugurated to combat malnutrition, boost local nutrition programs, and implement Presidential Nutrition 774 Initiative effectively.
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has officially inaugurated the Jigawa State Nutrition Council to strengthen the fight against malnutrition and implement the Presidential Nutrition 774 Initiative across the state.
The inauguration marks a significant step toward ensuring that the state’s policies and programs on nutrition are coordinated and impactful.
The ceremony took place on Friday in Dutse during a courtesy visit by Mrs. Uju Rochas-Anwukah, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health. Governor Namadi, who now chairs the council, reiterated his commitment to leading Jigawa’s efforts to address malnutrition and improve the health outcomes of vulnerable populations.
“I will lead the Presidential Nutrition 774 Initiative with Jigawa’s commitment and huge investment to the fight against malnutrition in the state,” Governor Namadi said.
“The state invests N13.5 million every month on nutrition programs, while the Jigawa State House of Assembly contributes N300 million annually for the purchase of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF).”
The governor noted that these interventions have already rescued approximately 300,000 children from severe malnutrition, a testament to the effectiveness of Jigawa’s proactive approach.
Furthermore, he revealed that nearly 1.2 million people in the state are involved in nutrition-focused programs, such as the Masaki Nutrition Programme, which is designed to promote community-based nutrition solutions.
A major highlight of the state’s nutrition strategy is the local production of food supplements for children.
Governor Namadi explained that 600 women have been trained in the production and packaging of these supplements, fostering both local enterprise and sustainable nutrition solutions.
“Jigawa is currently awaiting final registration from the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which will enable the supplements to reach Nigerian markets nationwide,” he added.
Although the governor expressed some reservations about the accuracy of reported malnutrition statistics in the state, he assured that verified and reliable data would be provided to the Nutrition 774 Initiative to ensure that interventions are appropriately targeted and effective.
Mrs. Rochas-Anwukah emphasized that Jigawa must scale up its efforts to combat malnutrition. She reminded the state government that the initiative requires governors to establish State Nutrition Committees, chaired by themselves, to oversee the implementation of nutrition programs effectively.
“The success of the Presidential Nutrition 774 Initiative depends on the active engagement of state governments,” she said.
“Jigawa has the opportunity to lead by example, ensuring timely release of funds, supporting maternity and paternity leave policies, and establishing nutrition departments in key ministries.”
She further recommended that Jigawa create centres of excellence as one-stop hubs for nutrition services.
These centres would integrate health, education, and nutrition interventions, thereby promoting a holistic approach to tackling malnutrition.
The Jigawa State Nutrition Council aligns with the broader goals of the Nutrition 774 (N774) Initiative, which was officially launched by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The initiative is designed to stimulate local action, strengthen food security, and improve the nutritional health of Nigerians through multi-sectoral collaboration, community engagement, and effective governance.
Nutrition 774 is a comprehensive program addressing the root causes of malnutrition in Nigeria.
It involves collaboration across government ministries, agencies, local governments, communities, and development partners to ensure that nutrition interventions reach those most in need.
By establishing state-level councils like the Jigawa State Nutrition Council, the initiative ensures that national strategies are adapted to local realities and effectively implemented.
Governor Namadi’s administration has also focused on building local capacity to produce nutritional supplements, which has created opportunities for women entrepreneurs and strengthened local supply chains.
This approach not only supports nutrition goals but also promotes economic empowerment in rural communities, ensuring that interventions are sustainable in the long term.
“The creation of the Jigawa State Nutrition Council is a milestone in our journey toward eradicating malnutrition in the state,” Namadi said.
“Through strategic investments, capacity building, and community engagement, we aim to set a standard for other states to follow in implementing Nutrition 774 effectively.”
Mrs. Rochas-Anwukah urged the state government to maintain momentum by ensuring the council functions efficiently, releasing funds promptly, and integrating nutrition considerations into all relevant state policies.
She also emphasized the importance of data-driven planning, monitoring, and evaluation to track progress and identify areas that need additional focus.
The Jigawa State Nutrition Council will serve as a central coordinating body, bringing together health officials, community leaders, development partners, and other stakeholders to implement targeted nutrition interventions.
Its mandate includes policy development, program oversight, monitoring and evaluation, and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of proper nutrition.
The inauguration of the Jigawa State Nutrition Council represents a proactive step by Governor Namadi and his administration to combat malnutrition comprehensively.
By aligning state-level initiatives with the Presidential Nutrition 774 Initiative, Jigawa is poised to make significant progress in improving the nutritional status of children, women, and vulnerable populations, while fostering economic empowerment and sustainable community development.
With continued government commitment, community participation, and the support of national agencies like NAFDAC, Jigawa is demonstrating how focused leadership and strategic investment can transform nutrition outcomes and serve as a model for other states across Nigeria.
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