Hauwa Ali
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In a significant move to address the critical issue of acute malnutrition across the nation, Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially inaugurated the Nutrition Core Working Committee (NCWC). Recognized as an ‘intellectual powerhouse,’ this specialized committee is poised to lead the charge against hunger and malnutrition on a national scale.
During the inauguration ceremony at the State House, Abuja, on Friday, Vice President Shettima emphasized the pivotal role of coordination and collaboration with the National Committee on Food and Nutrition (NCFN).
Declaring the commitment to reverse the negative nutrition indicators of the country, he spoke passionately about his recent visit to Tudun Biri village in Kaduna State, where he witnessed the distressing situation of a malnourished child affected by an unfortunate military drone strike. Shettima asserted, “We have no excuse for poverty.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s vast potential for prosperity, the Vice President expressed unwavering support for the committee, referring to its members as the ‘engine room’ of this transformative effort. Urging the committee to initiate action by addressing the malnutrition crisis in vulnerable communities, he implored them to provide advice and draw a comprehensive roadmap.
The Vice President conveyed a strong commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and malnutrition, urging the committee to make a truly impactful difference in the lives of Nigerians. He reminded them of their shared responsibility, emphasizing, “We are all products of the public school system, and history will judge us harshly if we fail to change the narrative of this country.”
Chairman of the Committee and Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Uju Okorocha, stressed that the scope of nutrition in Nigeria extends beyond health. She outlined the committee’s mandate, which includes healthcare, education, and the broader socio-economic impact of malnutrition. The committee aims to adopt a multi-sectoral approach, ensuring coordinated efforts across government agencies and exploring innovative financing mechanisms.
Committee members underscored the need for a dedicated delivery unit within the Vice President’s office to monitor progress and hold stakeholders accountable. Additionally, they advocated for the establishment of nutrition departments at both national and sub-national levels within government ministries and agencies.
The committee comprises representatives from various entities, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the World Bank Group, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Nutrition International, the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, and the Civil Society Scaling-up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN).”
