NEC launches Nutrition 774 Initiative to tackle malnutrition across Nigeria
By Kunle Sanni
The National Economic Council (NEC) has officially launched the Nutrition 774 Initiative, a nationwide effort to combat malnutrition and improve health outcomes across Nigeria.
Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the program during the 148th NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Addressing governors, ministers, local government chairmen, and private sector stakeholders, Shettima stressed the urgent need for collective action against malnutrition, which he described as a crisis undermining health, productivity, educational outcomes, and economic growth.
“The consequences of malnutrition go beyond health—they are the foundation of the calamities that limit our productivity and slow national progress,” Shettima stated.
Recent statistics reveal that about 40% of Nigerian children under five suffer from stunting, 8% from wasting, and 27% are underweight. Shettima highlighted these figures as a call to action, describing them as “the faces of children whose futures are at risk even before their journey begins.”
Shettima emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to prioritizing nutrition, calling the Nutrition 774 Initiative a turning point. The program aims to provide lifesaving nutrition interventions to mothers and children across Nigeria, especially at the grassroots level.
“This is not just a government program—it’s an invitation for all stakeholders to act,” Shettima said.
“We cannot stand by while our children suffer from preventable consequences of malnutrition. This is a national commitment to secure our future.”
The initiative focuses on improving coordination, financing, and accountability through a multi-sectoral, community-driven approach. Shettima emphasized the need for every mother and child, regardless of location, to have access to tailored nutrition support.
Governor AbdulRazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara State pledged the full commitment of Nigeria’s 36 state governments to the initiative’s success. Local government chairmen and development partners present at the launch also affirmed their support.
The NEC also endorsed the priorities of the 2025 Economic Management Team (EMT), presented by Chief Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
Following deliberations, state governors and council members applauded progress made toward stabilizing the economy, emphasizing that Nigeria is on the right path to economic recovery and growth.
Council members stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for sustainable economic development and maintaining focus on the nation’s 2025 economic goals.
