Poor diet costing Nigeria $1.5bn of GDP annually
By Patience Ikpeme
The lack of essential nutrients in the diet of Nigerian citizens is causing the federal government concern, as it is resulting in a loss of $1.5 billion of the country’s GDP annually.
This issue poses a threat to the economy by hindering the development of human capital and reducing productivity.
The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more difficult for the poorest and most vulnerable households to afford sufficient and nutritious food.
To address this problem, the federal government has initiated coordinated efforts through the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
The Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, announced this during a conference held by the Nutrition Society of Nigeria.
Senator Bagudu emphasized that the government is determined to combat malnutrition by including nutrition in the National Development Plan and “The Nigeria Agenda 2050.”
This commitment he said aligns with the National Multisectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition, which aims to achieve optimal nutrition status for all Nigerians, particularly vulnerable groups.
The minister urged nutrition experts in the country to conduct research and develop innovations that can improve nutrition.
These innovations and research efforts he noted will contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring Universal Health Coverage, and making significant positive changes in the nutrition sector of Nigeria.
By prioritizing innovation and research, the government Bagudu said aims to find effective solutions to nutritional challenges and promote the well-being of the Nigerian population.
Senator Bagudu encouraged members of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria to prioritize innovation and research in the field of nutrition, as it is crucial for achieving national goals.
He emphasized the need for nutrition professionals with extensive knowledge, good communication skills, emotional intelligence, and self-motivation to address nutrition dynamics in Nigeria.
“Leveraging technology, digital solutions, and investing in research and development will be instrumental in finding sustainable and scalable solutions to the country’s nutrition challenges” he said.
The minister expressed confidence that through collective efforts, nutrition leadership and workforce capacity can be improved, leading to better health and development in Nigeria.
He reassured the Nutrition Society of Nigeria that his ministry will provide strong coordination and leadership for the nutrition sector.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara State, in his goodwill message, highlighted the commitments of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum in realizing a healthier nation, including increased budgetary spending on nutrition and the strengthening of the nutrition profile.
Prof Wasiu Afolabi, the President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, commended the federal government for creating a Nutrition Department and ensuring budget allocation for nutrition in 2023, aligning with ministries and agencies of the government.
