The Federal Government has invested N1.2 billion in domestic resources into the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) to enhance maternal and child health in Nigeria.
Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammad Pate announced this in a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account after a stakeholder meeting in Abuja on sustainable nutrition and healthcare financing.
According to Pate, the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks long-term, sustainable solutions to malnutrition. He noted that 15 states have pledged support, reinforcing collaborative efforts. The minister emphasized the importance of shifting from donor-funded programs to locally-driven solutions, with Nigerian manufacturers now investing in Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) and other essential nutrition products.
This transition aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which prioritizes sustainable health financing and private sector participation. Pate also acknowledged UNICEF, the UK Government, the Gates Foundation, and private sector partners for their contributions to advancing nutrition interventions. A key milestone was the donation of six million bottles of MMS by Kirk Humanitarian’s Managing Director, Spencer F. Kirk, which has significantly bolstered maternal and child health programs.
“The mass distribution of MMS in Nigeria represents a milestone achievement, already reducing maternal and neonatal mortality at scale. A healthier and well-nourished Nigeria is a shared goal, and through sustained collaboration, we are making tangible strides toward achieving it,” Pate affirmed.
Meanwhile, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has earmarked $2.5 billion for its 2023-2027 Nigeria Country Strategy Plan (CSP), aimed at achieving zero hunger and improved nutrition across the country.
Speaking at a co-creation workshop in Abuja, WFP’s Head of Programme, Mr Seriene Loum, representing the Country Director, said the organization remains committed to a hunger-free world, in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2 on poverty and zero hunger.
Loum emphasized WFP’s commitment to mobilizing resources and working with UN member states, including Nigeria, to fully implement the program. The five-year CSP focuses on:
- Strengthening institutional capacities
- Food technology and fortification
- Supply chain management
- Improving nutrition
- Emergency preparedness and response
“The program includes life-saving interventions ensuring that people do not go to bed hungry. These activities provide immediate food assistance to those in urgent need,” Loum stated.
Through these investments, both the Federal Government and WFP are working towards a sustainable and well-nourished future for Nigeria.
