More than 31.8 million Nigerians are grappling with severe food insecurity, which is worsened by malnutrition affecting women and children.
The 2024 Cadre Harmonise report highlights that the sharp increase in food prices, driven by the elimination of fuel subsidies and ongoing security issues, has pushed millions of Nigerians into a precarious situation.
This information was presented by development partners at a Joint Review Meeting on Food Systems in Nigeria, held from August 26 to 27, 2024.
Stakeholders underscored the necessity of a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach to effectively address food security challenges. They emphasized the need for involvement from civil society organizations and the private sector to enhance the impact of nutrition initiatives.
The partners reaffirmed their strong commitment to overhauling Nigeria’s food system.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi, opened the meeting by explaining that its purpose was to review the progress of implementation and to allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to provide updates on their food transformation activities in Nigeria.
He commended the efforts of development partners for their dedication to advancing the food system, noting that their joint efforts are expected to foster innovative solutions and bolster food systems in the country.
Dr. Sanjo Faniran, National Convener of Food Systems in Nigeria and Director of Social Development at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, welcomed attendees by thanking them for their commitment to advancing Nigeria’s food system.
He explained that the purpose of the review meeting was to identify gaps, assess successes and challenges, offer recommendations, and conduct peer reviews among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The technical session included various presentations: Dr. Sanjo Faniran outlined the Food Systems Transformation Implementation Strategy, Prof. Kola Anigo discussed Enhancing Multi-Sectoral Collaboration for Food Systems Transformation, a representative covered Financing and Resource Mobilization for Food Systems Transformation, Mr. Azeez Salawu addressed Youth Engagement in Food Systems, and MDAs provided updates on their progress. The meeting was attended by representatives from 24 MDAs.
