By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has said Nigeria is challenged with an increasing crisis of malnutrition and food insecurity which poses a serious threat to the well-being of its citizens, the resilience of its economy, and stability of its communities.
The Speaker stated this at the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Summit on Nutrition and Food Insecurity in Abuja on Thursday.
Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, Speaker Abbas said these challenges, though not unique to Nigeria, “strike at the heart of our nation’s development, leaving a profound impact on health, education, and productivity”.
He regretted that lack of proper nutrition during the critical stages of growth stunts physical and cognitive development, hence the need for legislative action to address the critical issues of malnutrition and food security.
According to him, the National Summit will provide a vital forum to raise awareness, pool resources, and establish actionable goals for the future.
Abass who further reiterated the commitment of the House in supporting the committee where necessary for success; urged members to fulfil their mandate and ensure collaboration with the State Houses of Assembly, in line with the National Legislative Network.
He said, “It is with immense pride and a profound sense of duty that I join you today to witness the inauguration of the Local Organizing Committee for the National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security. This marks a historic moment for the National Assembly, as we unite for the first time at this level to address the critical issues of malnutrition and food security through legislative action.
“Nigeria faces a mounting crisis of malnutrition and food insecurity that poses a serious threat to the well-being of its citizens, the resilience of its economy, and the stability of its communities. Today, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in sub- Saharan Africa, affecting children, adolescents, and adults alike. It’s a crisis that requires both immediate action and sustainable, long-term solutions.
“Malnutrition, in particular, has devastating effects on the most vulnerable members of our society-children. Lack of proper nutrition during the critical stages of growth stunts physical and cognitive development, setting a trajectory of reduced academic achievement, lower earning potential, and increased susceptibility to health issues. For adults, malnutrition reduces the productivity and overall health of our workforce, weakening our ability to compete in the global economy.
“The need for this National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security has never been more urgent. This organizing committee is tasked with bringing the summit to fruition by coordinating efforts across ministries, states, and engaging both public and private sectors. Its mission is to create a platform for legislators, experts, and community leaders to collaborate, share insights, and drive collective action to address the root causes of our nutrition and food security challenges.
“Your commitment will be instrumental in addressing the nation’s pressing nutrition and food security challenges and the National Summit will hopefully address current shortages and associated risks, with the goal of formulating sustainable, long-term solutions”.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Rep. Chike Okafor, highlighted the urgency and scale of Nigeria’s nutritional challenges and outlined the critical role the LOC will play in organizing a successful summit to address these issues.
He emphasized the gravity of malnutrition in Nigeria, and noted that recent data indicates a 51 percent increase in severe malnutrition cases among children in Northern states.
“This is not merely a statistic; it embodies a humanitarian crisis that demands our immediate attention and concerted action,” he stated.
Rep. Okafor also referenced natural disasters, including devastating floods in Adamawa, Maiduguri, and Jigawa among others states which have disrupted food supplies and exacerbated food insecurity across the country.
He emphasised that the summit will be an essential platform for developing strategies and policies to tackle the twin challenges of malnutrition and food insecurity.
He described the LOC as the cornerstone of these efforts, emphasizing that “the committee’s task will be to determine the most convenient date and location for the summit, enabling stakeholders within the nutrition and food ecosystem to come together and forge a way forward”.