The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has emphasised the vital role of dietetics and nutrition in strengthening Nigeria’s health security, improving human capital development, and tackling the country’s growing burden of malnutrition and diet-related diseases.
Mahmoud stated this while delivering her address at the 17th Scientific Conference and National Workshop of the Dietitians Association of Nigeria (DAN), held at the Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House, Central Business District, Abuja. The conference was themed “The Future of Dietetics in Nigeria: Practice, Innovation and Sustainability”.
Represented by her Special Assistant on Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Junaidu Yakubu Muhammad, the minister described the conference theme as timely and strategic, stressing that Nigeria’s healthcare system must place greater emphasis on nutrition, preventive healthcare, and the contributions of dietitians to promoting healthier lives and stronger communities.
She noted that Nigeria faces a complex nutrition challenge, with undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, maternal and child malnutrition, and food insecurity existing alongside a growing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, stroke and other diet-related non-communicable diseases.
“Nigeria’s nutritional landscape presents us with a double burden that demands urgent and coordinated action. While millions of households still grapple with undernutrition and food insecurity, we are also witnessing a worrying rise in obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other diet-related diseases.
“This reality calls for stronger investment in nutrition, preventive healthcare and professional dietetic services,” she said.
Mahmoud observed that dietetics has evolved beyond its traditional role as a support service within the healthcare system and is now globally recognised as a critical pillar of disease prevention, health promotion, recovery, resilience and sustainable human development.
“Dietetics is no longer a peripheral component of healthcare. It is central to disease prevention, health promotion, recovery and the building of healthier societies.
“Dietitians are not only caregivers in hospitals and clinics; they are educators, researchers, advocates and critical partners in improving health outcomes for our people,” she added.
The minister stressed that nutrition remains fundamental to human capital development, educational attainment, maternal and child survival, workforce productivity and national prosperity, noting that sustainable development cannot be achieved without prioritising the nutritional wellbeing of citizens.
“A healthy nation is not built by hospitals and medicines alone. It is also built through sound nutrition, preventive care, public enlightenment and deliberate investment in the wellbeing of citizens.
“Food is not merely for sustenance; it is a powerful determinant of health, longevity, productivity and quality of life,” she said.
Mahmoud reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration, under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, to improving access to quality healthcare and strengthening systems that promote the wellbeing of residents.
She also commended the Dietitians Association of Nigeria for providing a platform for scientific exchange, mentorship and dialogue on the future of the profession, describing such engagements as essential to building a stronger, more responsive and future-ready dietetics workforce.
In her remarks, the National President of the Dietitians Association of Nigeria, Prof. Olivia Afam-Anene, called for stronger collaboration, innovation and sustainability in dietetics practice to address Nigeria’s growing nutrition and health challenges.
Represented by Prof. Ogechi Nzeagwu, Afam-Anene said the future of dietetics in Nigeria must be driven by evidence-based practice, technological innovation and strategic partnerships involving government, development partners and other stakeholders.
She warned that poor nutrition continues to contribute to disability, reduced productivity, rising healthcare costs and slower national development.
According to her, the situation has been compounded by conflict, displacement, climate change and the lingering public health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which have significant nutritional consequences for vulnerable populations.
Afam-Anene reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting high professional standards through accreditation, continuous professional development and adherence to global best practices established by the International Confederation of Dietetic Associations.
