FG Validates Revised Food and Nutrition Policy as UNICEF Calls for Evidence-Based Action

The Federal Government has taken a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s food and nutrition framework with the validation of the revised National Policy on Food and Nutrition (NPFN).

The validation took place during a National Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja, where the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) urged the government to prioritise evidence-based policymaking in addressing Nigeria’s persistent malnutrition challenges.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF Nigeria’s Chief of Nutrition, Ms. Nemat Hajeebhoy, expressed concern over worsening nutrition indicators, including high stunting rates, declining breastfeeding practices, severe acute malnutrition and limited access to life-saving treatment for children.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Deborah Odoh, stressed the importance of aligning the revised policy with current research, global best practices and Nigeria’s present realities to improve nutrition outcomes.

Dr. Odoh added that interventions across social protection, health, education, water, sanitation, hygiene and food systems must work in synergy to deliver sustainable nutrition improvements, particularly for vulnerable populations.