RismadarVoice Reporters
October 9, 2026
Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for Abuja after concluding his official engagements at the Nigeria–Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries in addressing malnutrition and improving food security.
The Vice President’s departure was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
The three-day programme, held from October 7 to 9 under the theme “Moving the Needle on Nutrition,” brought together senior government officials and stakeholders to exchange experiences on improving nutrition outcomes through coordinated policies and practical interventions.
Shettima led a high-level Nigerian delegation comprising state governors, federal ministers and other senior government officials.
The visit provided an opportunity for Nigerian policymakers to examine Ethiopia’s approach to addressing malnutrition through collaboration among government institutions, agricultural organisations and community-based programmes.
Discussions during the exchange focused on nutrition, agriculture, early childhood development, technology, financing and the implementation of sustainable nutrition programmes at the subnational level.
The engagements also explored strategies for improving agricultural productivity, strengthening food systems and ensuring that nutrition interventions reach vulnerable households.
As part of the programme, the Nigerian delegation participated in field visits designed to provide practical insights into Ethiopia’s agricultural and community nutrition initiatives.
The visits were intended to demonstrate how coordinated government policies, local participation and targeted investments could improve access to nutritious food and strengthen household livelihoods.
The exchange also provided a platform for both countries to deepen bilateral cooperation and share experiences on addressing nutrition challenges.
Nigeria’s participation forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the implementation of nutrition programmes across the country’s 36 states and 774 local government areas.
The initiative is expected to support improved coordination among federal, state and local government institutions responsible for health, agriculture, education and social protection.
Shettima’s visit followed an invitation from Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Temesgen Tiruneh, who has been involved in promoting the country’s multisectoral approach to nutrition.
Among the Nigerian officials who participated in the visit were Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari.
The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, was also part of the delegation.
The programme provided an opportunity for Nigeria to draw lessons from Ethiopia’s experience in translating national nutrition policies into practical interventions at regional and community levels.
The Vice President is expected to arrive in Abuja later on Friday following the conclusion of the official visit.
