RismadarVoice Reporters
October 6, 2026
Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, leading a high-level Nigerian delegation for a government-to-government leadership exchange focused on strengthening nutrition delivery across the country.
The Nigeria-Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange is scheduled to be held from October 7 to 9, with Nigerian officials expected to study Ethiopia’s approach to coordinating nutrition programmes across different levels of government.
Shettima is attending the programme at the invitation of Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Temesgen Tiruneh, who has been involved in the country’s multi-sectoral nutrition efforts.
The exchange is expected to provide an opportunity for both countries to share experiences on building stronger coordination among federal, state and local authorities in addressing malnutrition and improving nutrition outcomes.
During the visit, the Nigerian delegation will examine Ethiopia’s government-led nutrition strategies and consider approaches that could be adapted to Nigeria’s circumstances.
The delegation is also scheduled to visit selected agricultural and nutrition-related projects, including a wheat farm and banana plantation in Oromia, the Bounty of the Basket Training Centre and selected households in Mojo, as well as Jabdu Motors in Bishoftu.
The programme is linked to Nigeria’s broader Nutrition 774 Initiative, which seeks to accelerate nutrition interventions across the country’s 774 local government areas.
Nigeria has increasingly focused on strengthening coordination and domestic financing for nutrition programmes, with the Federal Government seeking greater participation from states and local governments in implementing interventions.
Shettima is accompanied by senior government officials, including Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi.
Also on the delegation are the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Abubakar.
Other state governors are also participating in the broader leadership exchange as Nigeria seeks to draw lessons from Ethiopia’s experience in coordinating and financing nutrition programmes at sub-national levels.
The Vice President is expected to return to Abuja after completing his engagements in Ethiopia.
