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Nigerian Government Unveils “Nutrition 774 Initiative” to Combat Malnutrition Nationwide
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has introduced the federal government’s comprehensive plan to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity with the launch of the “Nutrition 774 Initiative.” The program aims to improve nutritional outcomes across all 774 local government areas (LGAs) in the country.
Speaking at a roundtable with development partners at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, Shettima emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision for food security and availability across Nigeria.
“The priority with which President Bola Tinubu has pursued food availability has gone hand-in-hand with our commitment to eradicating malnutrition. Our goal is not just to have food in abundance, but to ensure that every household in Nigeria has access to the necessary and healthy diets for a good life,” Shettima said.
The “Nutrition 774 Initiative” was previously endorsed by the National Economic Council (NEC) in its 144th meeting in September as the central platform to combat malnutrition within Nigerian communities. The NEC urged development partners to provide financial and technical support for the program.
During the roundtable, Shettima highlighted the importance of collaboration, encouraging development partners to co-own the initiative alongside the Nigerian government.
“This initiative must be embraced by development partners as much as by the government. We all share the responsibility of building a healthy and stable Nigeria,” Shettima added.
The initiative takes a grassroots-driven approach, empowering local communities by training health workers and community leaders to implement and monitor nutritional improvements. Shettima noted that investing in nutrition yields far-reaching benefits, including better national security and a brighter future for all Nigerians.
As Nigeria continues to face challenges such as floods and global inflation, the Vice President stressed that the country’s response must be both innovative and targeted. He also called for incentive programs for local governments that demonstrate exceptional commitment to the initiative’s goals.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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