By Gloria Attah
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s food and nutrition sector have called for stronger coordination mechanisms, increased financing, and greater commitment from state governments to accelerate the country’s Food Systems Transformation Agenda.
The resolutions were reached at a two-day quarterly coordination meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on the National Food Systems Transformation Pathways, held in Abuja from June 1 to 2, 2026.
Speaking at the opening session, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP), Dr. Deborah Odoh, said the meeting was convened to strengthen coordination, improve accountability among implementing agencies, review progress, and prepare for the upcoming Food Systems National Convergence Initiative scheduled for June 10 and 11.
Represented by the Director of Social Development, Mr. Joseph Ikpeamaeze, Odoh stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in the implementation of food systems reforms across government institutions.
Director of Food and Nutrition and Convenor of the Food Systems Transformation Pathways, who welcomed participants, highlighted the urgent need to build sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems capable of improving nutrition and livelihoods nationwide.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, participants called for the establishment of a more structured and formal coordination mechanism with clear mandates and accountability frameworks across federal, state, and local government levels.
The meeting also urged the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to intensify advocacy efforts aimed at promoting food systems transformation and improving nutrition outcomes.
On financing, stakeholders emphasized the need to align policy implementation with coordinated funding mechanisms capable of delivering practical and bankable results. State and local governments were encouraged to back policy commitments with tangible financial investments.
Participants expressed concern over inadequate funding for nutrition programmes, warning that transformational goals may remain unattainable without increased investment.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was urged to make agriculture more attractive and economically viable, particularly for women and young people, through improved access to markets and land, as well as reduced input costs.
The meeting also noted a decline in the implementation of the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme and youth agricultural empowerment initiatives, calling for urgent measures to reverse the trend.
On food safety, participants advocated nationwide consumer awareness campaigns to help Nigerians identify unsafe and substandard food products. They urged agencies such as NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to lead the effort.
Stakeholders further called for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations throughout the food supply chain.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to Nigeria’s Food Systems Transformation Agenda and reaffirmed support for the Food Systems National Convergence Initiative as the next major accountability milestone.
The Technical Working Group comprises representatives from government ministries, departments and agencies, research institutions, academia, development partners, and the private sector. The meeting was convened by the Food and Nutrition Department of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
