RismadarVoice Reporters
November 12, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to transmit the National Nutrition Bill 2026 to the National Assembly for legislative consideration as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s response to malnutrition.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish a legal framework for nutrition programmes, improve funding and accountability, and define responsibilities across federal, state and local governments.
The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, disclosed the development at a nutrition-focused event during the 2026 Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review in Abuja.
Hadejia, who represented Vice President Kashim Shettima, urged lawmakers to give the proposed legislation speedy consideration, stressing the need to translate government commitments into measurable improvements in public health.
He disclosed that the Federal Executive Council had approved the National Nutrition Bill and the revised National Policy on Food and Nutrition.
According to him, approximately 40 per cent of Nigerian children under five experience stunted growth, highlighting the urgency of addressing nutritional deficiencies.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Nutrition 774 Initiative, designed to strengthen nutrition interventions across the country’s 774 local government areas.
Hadejia called on state governors and local government chairmen to establish functional nutrition committees, develop properly funded action plans and ensure timely release of approved resources.
He emphasised the importance of transparent financial management, reliable data collection and regular monitoring of programme implementation.
The proposed framework would encourage coordination among government institutions responsible for health, agriculture, education, water and sanitation, and social protection.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, said addressing malnutrition required practical interventions rather than policy declarations alone.
She advocated increased financing, stronger community participation and expanded support for mothers and young children.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Chike Okafor, also expressed the legislature’s willingness to give the bill prompt consideration.
Stakeholders stressed that improving nutrition outcomes would require clearly defined responsibilities, sustained funding and accountability at every level of government.
The proposed legislation is expected to support these objectives by providing a stronger institutional foundation for nutrition programmes.
However, although the Federal Executive Council has approved the bill for transmission, it must still undergo the required legislative process before becoming law.
