Malnutrition is not just a health issue—it is a national development crisis. The economic cost of undernutrition in Nigeria is staggering, with estimates suggesting $1.5 billion is lost annually due to reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs. As Nigeria joins global leaders at the N4G Paris Summit, it must prioritize an integrated approach that aligns nutrition with broader development sectors, including health, agriculture, and education.
Breaking Down Silos – Nigeria’s Opportunity for Multi-Sectoral Action
One of the key themes of N4G Paris 2025 is aligning nutrition with sustainable food systems, health, and climate action. For Nigeria, this means:
- Strengthening the link between agriculture and nutrition to improve food security and reduce reliance on food imports.
- Investing in school feeding programs to enhance child nutrition and improve education outcomes.
- Integrating climate-resilient food production strategies to ensure sustainability in nutrition interventions.
CS-SUNN’s Role in Driving Multi-Sectoral Engagement
CS-SUNN has been at the forefront of pushing for cross-sectoral collaboration in Nigeria’s nutrition ecosystem. By engaging stakeholders across ministries, civil society, and the private sector, CS-SUNN continues to advocate for:
- Better alignment of policies across health, agriculture, and social protection.
- Increased funding for nutrition-sensitive interventions.
- Enhanced policy implementation at state and local government levels.
The N4G 2025 Summit is a critical moment for Nigeria to strengthen these collaborations and ensure that nutrition is embedded in the country’s broader development strategy.
