By: Theresa Moses
In a resounding call to action, members of National Assembly, alongside stakeholders and experts, convened at the Marriot Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, for a transformative two-day retreat focused on Food Fortification, Workforce Nutrition, and Food Systems Transformation.
Organized by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), under the leadership of Executive Director Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), the retreat marks a crucial milestone in the nation’s quest to combat food insecurity and malnutrition.
Addressing a diverse audience of legislators, representatives from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), and other stakeholders, Musa underscored the interconnected challenges facing Nigeria’s food system.
With projections indicating a looming crisis of acute hunger in 2024, the urgency of collective action could not be overstated. Musa emphasized the imperative of regional-specific strategies to fortify staple crops and ensure access to nutritious food for Nigeria’s workforce.
Highlighting the retreat’s objectives, Musa urged legislators to champion policy interventions and allocate resources for enforcing fortification standards effectively. The collaboration between the public and private sectors emerged as a cornerstone of the proposed initiatives, with Musa expressing gratitude for the technical support provided by GAIN. Together, participants embarked on a journey to translate insights into concrete actions, signaling a commitment to tangible progress in addressing root causes of food insecurity.
With an ambitious agenda in sight, the retreat aims to yield a spectrum of initiatives geared towards enhancing compliance, advocacy, and legislative oversight. Key outcomes include bolstered adherence to food fortification policies, supported by public-private sector collaboration. The mobilization of non-state actors, including civil society organizations and media, is poised to amplify demands for government implementation and producer compliance. Improved legislative oversight and enhanced budgetary allocations for monitoring purposes are also anticipated, alongside intensified media reportage to strengthen civil society engagement.
As the Chairman of the House Committee on Food and Drug Administration and Control, Rep. Regina Akume delivered a poignant keynote address, emphasizing the pivotal role of evidence-based action in promoting food security and workforce nutrition.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of diverse stakeholders, Rep. Akume championed the need for a robust legislative framework to support nutritional fortification endeavours. She urged participants to embrace innovation and investment in research and technology as essential tools in the fight against malnutrition.
With enthusiasm and cooperation permeating the discussions, participants are poised to chart a course towards tangible outcomes. Through meaningful dialogue and innovative solutions, stakeholders aim to lay the groundwork for a healthier, self-sufficient, and prosperous Nigeria.
As the retreat progresses, all eyes are on the collective resolve of legislators, experts, and stakeholders to drive sustainable food system transformation and pave the way for a brighter future.
The Food Fortification, Workforce Nutrition, and Food Systems Transformation retreat stands as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to addressing nutrition challenges head-on.
With stakeholders united in purpose, the stage is set for impactful change that promises to alleviate hunger, reduce malnutrition, and propel Nigeria towards its ambitious economic aspirations. As discussions unfold and strategies take shape, the nation inches closer to realizing its vision of a more food-secure and prosperous future for all.
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