Nigeria Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling micronutrient deficiencies in Nigeria, describing malnutrition as a major threat to human capital development and national growth.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated this at the opening of the 2025 National Micronutrient Conference held in Abuja.
Speaking at the conference themed: “Strengthening Resilient Systems for Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies in Nigeria,” Dr. Salako said the gathering was more than a routine meeting, but a national platform for dialogue, reflection and coordinated action to address what he described as a “hidden hunger” affecting millions of Nigerians.
He noted that children under five, pregnant and lactating women, adolescents and other vulnerable groups remain the most affected.
The Minister expressed concern over findings from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, which show that stunting stands at 40 percent, wasting at 8 percent, and underweight at 27 percent among children aged 6 to 59 months.
He described the statistics as unacceptable and called for urgent, sustainable and targeted interventions, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
Dr. Salako explained that, “Micronutrient deficiencies undermine immunity, cognitive development, educational outcomes and productivity, thereby perpetuating poverty and underdevelopment.”
He commended the Director of Nutrition and her team for reviving the National Micronutrient Conference, in line with the resolutions of the Multiple Micronutrient Supplement Taskforce, and for re-inaugurating the National Advisory Committee on Micronutrient Deficiency and Control as a sign of renewed national commitment.
Tracing the history of the conference, the Minister recalled that it was established following Nigeria’s commitments to global and regional resolutions on micronutrient deficiencies, beginning with the West Africa Regional Meeting on Iodine Deficiency Disorders hosted in Abuja in 1999.
He noted that the conference had played a key role in shaping policies on universal salt iodisation, vitamin A supplementation and food fortification.
Dr Salako said the 2025 edition of the conference marks a turning point, reinforcing the government’s resolve to tackle malnutrition as a fundamental barrier to human capital development.
“The biennial forum would provide an opportunity to review progress, identify gaps, share innovations and best practices, and strengthen multi-sectoral partnerships in line with the National Multisectoral Plan of Action on Food and Nutrition and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
He highlighted ongoing government interventions, including multiple micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women, vitamin A supplementation for children, food fortification, salt iodisation, maternal and child nutrition programmes, and partnerships to promote locally produced, nutrient-rich foods.
The Minister emphasized that ending malnutrition requires collective action across sectors and all levels of government, noting that no single institution can solve the challenge alone.
He called on stakeholders to use the conference to mobilize resources, strengthen food systems and scale up impactful nutrition actions to ensure that every Nigerian has access to essential micronutrients for optimal health and development.