By Saidu Adamu
The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP),in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President with support from UNICEF and ALGON, has organized a Stakeholders Validation Workshop to review and validate the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative.
The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Sen. Ibrahim Hassan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling malnutrition through the Nutrition 774 Initiative.
Speaking at the end of a two-day workshop on the Review and Finalization the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the N-774 Initiative at Reiz Hotel Abuja on Friday, Sen. Hassan emphasized the importance of finalizing the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide the implementation of the initiative across the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
“This is about ensuring no child or community is left behind,” he said, emphasizing that multi-sectoral collaboration is critical for the initiative’s success.
“From health and agriculture to education and social protection, every sector must play a role to combat the malnutrition crisis stunting the nation’s future” he said.
He reiterated the President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to human capital development, with nutrition prioritized on the national agenda.
“The Nutrition 774 framework aims to deliver high-impact, community-focused interventions at the grassroots level, backed by strong coordination among federal, state, and local governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to ensure transparency, strong coordination, and accountability for the initiative’s success.
Similarly, Hassan urged ministries, legislators, and other partners to align their efforts and allocate sufficient resources to nutrition.
The Special Assistant to the Vice President on Public Health, Uju Rochas-Anwukah emphasized the critical role of nutrition in national development, describing it as the foundation for a healthier and more productive society.
He underscore the need for stronger efforts to bridge nutritional gaps across Nigeria.
“The Nutrition 774 initiative is a government-led, multi-sectoral effort aimed at strengthening governance, improving financing and fostering political commitment toward nutrition across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
“It seeks to scale up evidence-based interventions across sectors such as health, education, agriculture, social protection, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH),” She said.
Rochas-Anwukah highlighted that this approach recognizes that nutrition is a collective responsibility, not limited to one ministry or sector.
“Endorsed by the National Economic Council, Nutrition 774 is now positioned as a national priority in the administration’s agenda.
“A major milestone is the creation of a House Committee on Food and Nutrition at both federal and state levels to ensure sustained political commitment and legislative support for nutrition-related policies and budgets,” She said
Recognizing Nigeria’s cultural diversity, Rochas-Anwukah stated that the initiative would be driven by local solutions tailored to the specific needs of each region.
According to her, the framework encourages ownership at the state and local government levels, using centralization mechanisms to reward progress.
She stressed that the initiative will leverage existing structures rather than create new ones to ensure faster and more sustainable results.
Rochas-Anwukah expressed gratitude to Vice President Kashim Shettima for his leadership as Chairman of the National Council on Nutrition and appreciated the contributions of various ministries, development partners, donor organizations, and private sector stakeholders.
She urged all stakeholders to move from planning to action, emphasizing that the initiative is not just about protocols but about unlocking the potential of every Nigerian child and family.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Emeka Vitalis who spoke virtually emphasized the need for holistic implementation and accountability in Nigeria’s nutrition interventions, highlighting the critical role of nutrition in fostering economic resilience and achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as good health and well-being.
“The Nutrition 774 Initiative, a flagship program of the administration led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, focuses on delivering sustainable nutrition interventions across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria,” he said.
Dr. Emeka explained that the initiative’s five-pillar structure aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes while driving the nation’s progress towards SDG 2 and SDG 3.
He also called for the development of clear guidelines and accountability mechanisms to ensure transparency and efficient service delivery at the local government level.
He emphasized that collaboration with development partners, non-governmental organizations, and key stakeholders would be essential for the program’s success.
ALGON National President, Engr. Bello Lawal was represented by Dr. Aminu Jauro Hassan, ALGON Chairman Taraba State.
Other invited ALGON Chairmen include Hon. Iliyasu Zakari, Niger State, Prof. Abdurrahman Salim Lawal, Jigawa State, Hon. Suleman Ahmed Toungo, Adamawa, Engr. Adikibe Ikenna Anthony, Imo State, Chinedu Ekeke, Abia State, Chief Isaiah Onoriode Esiovwa, Delta State, Kolade Alabi David, Lagos State, Sikiru Sanda, Oyo State, Maurice Orwough, Benue State and Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, Akwa Ibom State.
Vital News reports that the workshop aims to finalize a blueprint for action that will deliver data-driven, community-focused interventions on improving nutrition outcomes across the entire 774 Local Government Area of the country.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
