Group urges Tinubu to rethink economic policies
The Federal Government has said Nigeria is facing a triple burden of malnutrition, including undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiency, called ‘Hidden Hunger’.
It noted that the National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey showed that Micronutrient inadequacy among key population groups is very high, while 79 per cent of the population is food insecure.
Findings from the National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey revealed that about 50.4 per cent of households consume unbranded vegetable oil despite the enforcement of voluntary fortification with Vitamin A since 2002.
The government warned that micronutrient deficiencies impair cognitive development, reduce productivity, and increase maternal and child mortality.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, who disclosed this at the Nigeria Health Watch Roundtable, with the theme: “Fortifying Nigeria’s Future: Strengthening Nutrition through Local Solutions”, said the food security situation is worsened by high inflation, devastating floods, and ongoing conflict, disrupting farming and livelihoods.
Kachollom noted that malnutrition continues to undermine the health, productivity, and economic potential of the citizens, especially women and children.
She stated that the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey showed that stunting is 40 per cent, wasting is 8 per cent, while underweight is 27 per cent among children six to so nine months old.
The Permanent Secretary observed that Nigeria’s Commitment to Large-Scale Food Fortification is a proven public health strategy aimed at reducing micronutrient deficiencies by adding essential vitamins and minerals to staple foods during industries.
According to her, available evidence shows Nigeria has made strides in the mandatory fortification, achieving near-universal salt iodisation – about 95 per cent, and satisfactory fortification of wheat flour, sugar, and vegetable oil.
MEANWHILE, a pro-democracy group, Turn by Turn Initiatives (TBTI), has asked President Bola Tinubu to urgently review his economic policies, warning that the current path is deepening hunger and hardship across Nigeria.
In a statement on Wednesday, the group’s National Convener, Ben Nworie, said the removal of fuel subsidy was “reckless and hasty,” leaving Nigerians exposed to harsh economic realities without any effective safety nets.
He criticised Tinubu’s recent remarks directing citizens to question their governors over increased federal allocations, describing it as “inciting” and capable of sparking youth restiveness similar to the #EndSARS protests.
“Rather than pumping excess funds to states where many governors are underperforming, Mr President should have revitalised moribund industries to create jobs and reduce poverty,” Nworie said.
The group also rejected the proposed salary increment for political office holders, saying it would further inflame public anger at a time when millions can barely afford food.
TBTI insisted that the fuel subsidy itself was not the problem, but the corruption that undermined its benefits. It urged Tinubu to urgently overhaul his economic policies, warning that “nothing will get better if the government continues on this path.”
