Lagos Retreat: Feeding the Future

Nutrition: Key to Health, Equity and Development in Nigeria.

About the Retreat

The two-day Strategic Policy Dialogue on Nutrition and Food Security was convened by CS-SUNN, with support from UNICEF, Nutrition International, and FHI 360.

Legislators

0 +

Days

Goal

DAY 1 RECAP DAY 2 RECAP

The dialogue had 6 Objectives

Nutrition commodities are one of the key elements that, if we get right, will significantly reduce malnutrition rates in Nigeria,” she said. “However, these commodities are not readily available, and the cost of procuring them to reduce MAM and SAM numbers is high. That is why UNICEF launched the Child Nutrition Fund Initiative, where each state can buy one nutrition commodity and get one free through the UNICEF matching fund.

Dr. Chizoba Steve-Edemba UNICEF Nutrition Specialist

The argument should truly be: if we accept that nutrition is the key to health and prosperity, then this should be a call for emergency.

Rt. Hon. Ezenta Ezeani Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly

This room represents the most important link between policy and people,” he said. “You are legislators with the power to change outcomes that are currently costing us lives, money, and futures.

Mr. Sodangi Chindo Steering Committee Chairman ,CS-SUNN

Legislators are more than policy influencers. We are the architects of change,” he said. “If nutrition is truly the foundation of health and development, then our laws, budgets, and oversight must reflect that urgency. This dialogue is our opportunity to lead from the front.

Hon. Tolulope Ige Chairman of the Forum of Chairpersons of Committees on Nutrition and Food Security of State Houses of Assembly.

Malnutrition is one of the most serious public health challenges globally and in Nigeria,”. “It directly impairs physical growth, cognitive development, and learning outcomes. Malnutrition contributes to half of all under-five deaths.

Ridwan Awosanya Program Manager, CS-SUNN

We want to move the treatment of malnutrition from an emergency response to a routine service,” he said. “So that no child ever falls into MAM or SAM. None of us would want our children to be malnourished.

Sunday Okoronkwo Executive Secretary, CS-SUNN

The causes of malnutrition are multisectoral, and until we address all of them, we will not make headway,” she said. “If you give me food but no water to wash my hands, I will eat that food and become sick. Our approach must be all-encompassing.

Mrs. Nduka Chito Nelson