This was contained in a communique issued at the end of a two-day retreat for relevant committees of the National Assembly on ‘food fortification, workforce nutrition, and food systems transformation in Nigeria’ on Friday.
According to the communique, multi-dimensional insecurity challenges caused by activities of armed groups have continued to wreak havoc on the quantity and quality of food production and distribution, while hampering workforce efficiency and productivity in various parts of the country.
“Soaring food prices have plunged many households into crushing hunger and starvation, exacerbating the country’s already pervasive food insecurity.
“The absence of a workforce nutrition policy in Nigeria contributes to workforce malnutrition, with devastating impacts on health, productivity, and economic development.
“There are gaps in the comprehensive and coherence of existing policies for food systems and nutrition. For instance, foods addressed by existing fortification regulations are no longer the most widely consumed foods in Nigeria; the National Policy on Food and Nutrition does not include intentional connections with climate change,” the communique read in part.
They however advised that “The National Food Safety Bill should be revisited by a five-member Committee, two members in the Senate (Health and Agriculture), three members in the House of Representatives (NAFDAC, Agriculture – Food Production, and Nutrition), and with GAIN providing technical assistance; to address gaps and conflicts in the Bill and champion it through legislative processes.
“A Food Fortification Bill should be developed and processed to passage and assent, with the involvement of all relevant MDAs.
“Public awareness about workforce nutrition and associated interventions should be raised through impactful evidence-based campaigns, fostering widespread acceptance, and paving the way for ratification and implementation of the draft policy.”
