The National Economic Council (NEC) Wednesday called on state governments to set up a food and nutrition security task force to address the problems associated with floods and boost nutrition among children.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali-Pate, said this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the 144th NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
He said establishment of the task force would enhance coordination between federal and sub-national governments.
“Following the discussions on flooding and food systems, there was a conversation around the state of nutrition in Nigeria because nutrition is key to Nigeria’s human capital development, and the need for federal government’s efforts to deliver relief and also to be complimented by the state government.
“Key decisions were taken to include a food and nutrition security taskforce which we have already established at the federal government level but the state will also mirror which is a multi-sectoral governance coordination platform, to ensure that we address the challenge of acute malnutrition, and over time, the challenge that we are faced with as a country.
“And to ensure that the resources begin to be put in place in the 2025 budget as we come towards that circle, so that states also have line items for budget on nutrition just as the federal government will also do,” he said.
Gutti, Bako Adamu and Perm Sec., Establishment, Dr. Sadiq Moh’d Abubakar, will serve as the secretary to the committee.