Abuja, February 18, 2024 – The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), in collaboration with key stakeholders including the National Assembly, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), and the Third-Party Advocacy Campaign, has called for urgent action to combat food insecurity in Nigeria.
The call to action came at the conclusion of a two-day retreat held for pertinent committees of the National Assembly. The retreat focused on the themes of ‘food fortification, workforce nutrition, and food systems transformation in Nigeria.’
In a joint communiqué issued on Friday, the participants highlighted the multifaceted challenges posed by insecurity, particularly the impact of armed conflict on food production, distribution, and workforce productivity across various regions of the country.
The communiqué underscored the dire consequences of skyrocketing food prices, which have plunged many households into severe hunger and malnutrition, exacerbating Nigeria’s existing food insecurity crisis.
Furthermore, the absence of a comprehensive workforce nutrition policy was identified as a contributing factor to workforce malnutrition, leading to adverse effects on health, productivity, and overall economic development.
The participants also identified gaps in existing policies related to food systems and nutrition, citing outdated fortification regulations and inadequate integration of climate change considerations into national food and nutrition policies.
To address these challenges, the stakeholders proposed several key recommendations:
- Revisiting the National Food Safety Bill by a five-member committee comprising representatives from relevant Senate and House of Representatives committees, with technical assistance from GAIN, to address gaps and conflicts in the Bill and facilitate its passage through legislative processes.
- Developing and processing a Food Fortification Bill with the participation of all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure comprehensive fortification regulations are enacted and enforced.
- Elevating public awareness about workforce nutrition through evidence-based campaigns, aiming to foster widespread acceptance and support for workforce nutrition interventions and policies.
The stakeholders expressed their commitment to working collaboratively with policymakers, legislators, and civil society organisations to implement these recommendations and address the pressing issue of food insecurity in Nigeria.
As the nation grapples with the complex challenges of food insecurity, the collective efforts of stakeholders across various sectors will be crucial in developing sustainable solutions and ensuring the well-being of all Nigerians.
