Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Co-Chairman of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security, has emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing nutrition for women and adolescent girls in national development. Speaking at the Nutrition for Growth Summit (N4G) in Paris, France, Ogundoyin highlighted the pressing need to address malnutrition challenges in Nigeria, particularly those affecting women and young girls.
Addressing Malnutrition Challenges
Citing the National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey, Ogundoyin pointed out alarming micronutrient deficiencies among women and adolescent girls in Nigeria. To combat these issues, he advocated for Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) as a cost-effective strategy to ensure nutrient-dense foods reach vulnerable populations.
Legislative Action and Commitment
Ogundoyin, who also serves as the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, underscored the Nigerian Parliament’s dedication to driving legislative action, resource mobilization, and policy reforms to strengthen food fortification efforts. He highlighted recent initiatives, including a legislative retreat aimed at bolstering action on food fortification.
Key Recommendations
The Chairman outlined several key recommendations to address nutrition challenges:
- Strengthen legislative oversight of LSFF and national nutrition programs
- Align LSFF efforts with the National Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food & Nutrition (NMPFAN) 2021-2025
- Enhance budgetary allocation for nutrition initiatives
- Deepen legislative engagement with state assemblies
- Conduct public hearings for amending nutrition-related laws
Ogundoyin also mentioned progress on a bill to phase out unbranded edible bulk oils in Nigeria, which has passed its first reading in Parliament.
Commitment to Nutrition 774 Initiative
In conclusion, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin reaffirmed the State Legislatures’ commitment to tackling malnutrition through the Nutrition 774 initiative, emphasizing the need for collective effort to ensure no child or community is left behind in the fight against malnutrition in Nigeria.
