- He said this at the Nutritious Food Fair in Minna on Wednesday
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi, has called for collective efforts to tackle malnutrition, highlighting its impact on children’s health and the nation’s development.
Speaking at the Nutritious Food Fair in Minna on Wednesday, Mr Sabi, represented by Nuhu Kilishi, Director of Nutrition and Food Safety, revealed that 32% of Nigerian children under five suffer from stunted growth, with two million facing severe acute malnutrition.
“Malnutrition is not just a health issue but a development challenge,” Mr Sabi said. “We must strengthen our food systems and empower communities to provide sustainable solutions.”
The fair, organised by the Niger State Government, focused on promoting biofortified crops and featured exhibitions, food demonstrations, and training on micro-processing for women under the theme: “Sustainable Food Systems, Our Collective Responsibility.”
Governor Muhammad Bago of Niger State outlined plans to establish a 30,000-hectare biofortified food production centre in Adunu, with a pilot project on 3,000 hectares starting in the next dry season.
“Our goal is to ensure food and nutrition security for all Nigerlites,” he said, noting that the state has harvested over 1 million metric tonnes of maize this season and is producing micronutrient-rich crops such as soybeans, millet, and cowpeas.
Additionally, Governor Bago announced significant investments in hydroponics, training over 4,000 youths to boost the production of fortified vegetables and other crops.
The two-day event reinforced the commitment of federal and state governments, alongside partners like HarvestPlus, to address Nigeria’s nutrition challenges through sustainable agricultural practices.
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