Weak governance has long been a barrier to effective nutrition policy implementation in Nigeria. Despite the development and implementation of the Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (MSPAN), the national and subnational levels have struggled with multisectoral coordination, poor accountability, and a failure to meet global nutrition targets. Recognizing these challenges, the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), through the Partnership for Improving Nigeria Nutrition Systems (PINNS) initiative, has been at the forefront of strengthening nutrition governance. However, more intensified efforts are necessary to ensure the robust oversight and evaluation of MSPAN implementation.
To address these issues, the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission, in collaboration with CS-SUNN, organized a five-day workshop aimed at reviewing and developing the Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (KDMSPAN) for the years 2025-2029. This initiative is a critical step in reinforcing the state’s commitment to scaling up key nutrition investments and ensuring accountability in the effective implementation of the MSPAN.
The five-day workshop brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, nutrition experts, and representatives from UNICEF, ANRiN, and Alive & Thrive. The objectives were clear: to update the State Multisectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition and to prepare specific costs of interventions needed to scale up nutrition investments in Kaduna State.
One of the significant obstacles identified during the workshop was the need for stronger coordination among stakeholders and better accountability mechanisms. The collaborative atmosphere of the workshop allowed for in-depth discussions on how to overcome these challenges and ensured that the updated strategic plan would be both comprehensive and actionable.
By the end of the workshop, the participants successfully developed a draft Costed State Multisectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (2025-2029). This document is expected to serve as a blueprint for improving nutrition outcomes in Kaduna State over the next five years. The plan outlines specific interventions, along with their associated costs, that are critical for scaling up nutrition investments.
The workshop also marked a significant step forward in strengthening nutrition governance in Kaduna State. The Planning and Budget Commission committed to creating the first Nutrition Unit/Department in the state, a move that is expected to enhance the coordination and implementation of nutrition policies.
Bashir Muhammed Mni, Permanent Secretary, Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission said “I want to commend CS-SUNN for supporting us in reviewing this document that belongs to the Kaduna State government. UNICEF, ANRiN, Alive & Thrive—you are all doing an excellent job, and we, the state planning and budget commission, and the entire state are proud to partner with you. This document is one of the strategies we intend to use to improve nutrition in Kaduna State. We all need to make inputs, own them, and implement them to reduce malnutrition in the state. Strong efforts are in place to actualize that.”
In the words of Chinwe Ezeife, Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF, “I want to thank CS-SUNN for organizing this activity to review the Kaduna State strategic document. This is a living document, and for us to improve our nutrition outcomes, the state needs to embrace the document and own it. The main call to action is for all stakeholders to contribute actively to the process. Overall, we need to invest in nutrition.”
One key lesson learned is the importance of having a dedicated unit or department for nutrition within the state’s governance structure. The creation of the Nutrition Unit/Department in Kaduna State is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the KDMSPAN.
The draft strategic plan will undergo further refinement before its final adoption. Once approved, the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission, in collaboration with CS-SUNN and other partners, will begin the process of implementing the plan. The focus will be on ensuring that all stakeholders remain committed to the plan’s objectives and that the necessary resources are allocated for its successful execution.
The five-day workshop for the review and development of the Kaduna State Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action on Food and Nutrition (2025-2029) represents a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen nutrition governance. Through collaborative efforts and a shared commitment to improving nutrition outcomes, Kaduna State is poised to make substantial progress in reducing malnutrition and enhancing the well-being of its citizens.
