ABUJA, Nigeria — The federal government has raised alarm over Nigeria’s “triple burden” of malnutrition: undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies, also called “hidden hunger.”
Speaking at the Nigeria Health Watch Roundtable in Abuja, themed Fortifying Nigeria’s Future: Strengthening Nutrition through Local Solutions, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms Daju Kachollom, warned that poor diets are undermining national health.
Represented by Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Director of Nutrition, Kachollom said micronutrient deficiencies impair cognitive development, increase maternal and child mortality, and reduce productivity.
“Most Nigerian diets are calorie-rich but nutrient-poor, dominated by maize, cassava, and rice, and lacking essential vitamins and minerals,” she noted.
Citing the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, she said stunting affects 40 per cent of children under five, wasting eight per cent, and underweight 27 per cent. She added that 79 per cent of Nigerians are food insecure.
Experts at the roundtable identified Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) as a key solution, noting Nigeria’s progress with 95 per cent salt iodisation and fortification of wheat flour, sugar, and vegetable oil. However, compliance remains weak among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, called for stronger enforcement, local premix production, and adoption of technologies like the Digital Fortification Quality Traceability Plus platform.
“This roundtable is critical as it unites stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s fortification ecosystem and save lives,” she said.
Nice blog here Also your site loads up fast What host are you using Can I get your affiliate link to your host I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Your blog has quickly become one of my favorites. Your writing is both insightful and thought-provoking, and I always come away from your posts feeling inspired. Keep up the phenomenal work!