The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Thursday, averred that the nation faces a mounting crisis of malnutrition and food insecurity that poses a serious threat to the well-being of its citizens, the resilience of its economy, and the stability of its communities.
Hon. Abass stated this in Abuja while delivering his remarks at the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the National Assembly on Nutrition and Food Security.
Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Speaker said that these challenges, though not unique to Nigeria, strike at the heart of our nation’s development, leaving a profound impact on health, education, and productivity.
He lamented that lack of proper nutrition during the critical stages of growth stunts physical and cognitive development, hence the need for legislative action to address the critical issues of malnutrition and food security.
The Speaker stated that the National Summit will provide a vital forum to raise awareness, pool resources, and establish actionable goals for the future.
Hon. Abass assured of the House’s commitment to supporting the committee with all necessary support for success, urging them to fulfil their mandate and ensure collaboration with the State Houses of Assembly, in line with the National Legislative Network.
The Speaker said: “It is with immense pride and a profound sense of duty that I join you today to witness the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee for the National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security.
“This marks a historic moment for the National Assembly, as we unite for the first time at this level to address the critical issues of malnutrition and food security through legislative action.
“Nigeria faces a mounting crisis of malnutrition and food insecurity that poses a serious threat to the well-being of its citizens, the resilience of its economy, and the stability of its communities.
“Today, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa, affecting children, adolescents, and adults alike. It’s a crisis that requires both immediate action and sustainable, long-term solutions.
“Malnutrition, in particular, has devastating effects on the most vulnerable members of our society-children. Lack of proper nutrition during the critical stages of growth stunts physical and cognitive development, setting a trajectory of reduced academic achievement, lower earning potential, and increased susceptibility to health issues. For adults, malnutrition reduces the productivity and overall health of our workforce, weakening our ability to compete in the global economy.
“The need for this National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security has never been more urgent. This organising committee is tasked with bringing the summit to fruition by coordinating efforts across ministries and states and engaging both the public and private sectors.
“Its mission is to create a platform for legislators, experts, and community leaders to collaborate, share insights, and drive collective action to address the root causes of our nutrition and food security challenges. Your commitment will be instrumental in addressing the nation’s pressing nutrition and food security challenges, and the National Summit will hopefully address current shortages and associated risks, with the goal of formulating sustainable, long-term solutions.”
In his remarks, Chairman, House Committee on Food and Nutrition, Hon. Chike Okafor, applauded the series of efforts undertaken so far in confronting the critical challenges of malnutrition and food insecurity in the country.
“Today marks a pivotal moment as we inaugurate the local organising committee for the National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security. This committee will serve as the cornerstone for coordinating our efforts, fostering partnerships, and ensuring the success of this crucial summit dedicated to addressing the urgent challenges facing our nation in the spheres of nutrition and food security.
“Our efforts through the National Legislative Network are to compliment the numerous efforts being put in place by the executive arm of government through the office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The recent report unveiling a distressing 51% surge in severe malnutrition cases among children in the Northern States is not merely a statistic; it embodies a humanitarian crisis that demands our immediate attention and concerted action. This rise in malnutrition underscores a systemic issue that pervades our nation’s nutritional landscape.
“The recent natural disasters, such as the devastating floods in states like Adamawa, Maiduguri, and Jigawa, have not only caused widespread destruction but have also disrupted food supplies and access to vital nutrition, exacerbating an already precarious situation. The impact of these disasters on the nutritional well-being of our populace cannot be overstated.
“Given these challenges and the urgency they demand, it is imperative that we unite to address the underlying causes of malnutrition and food insecurity in our country. The delayed convening of the National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security, which occurred independently of the inauguration of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security on July 22nd-July 23rd, followed by the subsequent recess of the House until September, underscores the critical need for our collective action.
“This summit will present a pivotal opportunity for us to not only assess the current state of nutrition and food security in Nigeria but also to craft comprehensive strategies and policies that will safeguard the well-being of our citizens, particularly our vulnerable children from a legislative standpoint.
“The alarming findings in the report regarding the increase in severe malnutrition serve as a stark reminder of the urgency of our task and the necessity for prompt and resolute action,” he noted.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
