The Chief of Nutrition for UNICEF Nigeria, Nemat Hajeebhoy, has said she’s dedicated to improving the nutrition situation in Nigeria, focusing on addressing malnutrition challenges, especially among children. In this interview with JULIANA TAIWO-OBALONYE, she spoke on the findings in the recently released 2024 food consumption survey report and the danger of Nigeria lagging behind in implementing relevant policies to reverse malnutrition.
What were the key findings and insights of the 2021 food consumption survey report?
The National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey was launched in 2020. The data collection was done in 2021. As you know, we were in the midst of COVID. So, looking at biological samples took time, and therefore the report was completed, then the analysis late last year and we are launching the report this year. So that’s just the history. The report is very important because it looks at two key components of how Nigerians are doing from a nutrition perspective.
The survey highlights inadequate dietary diversity among vulnerable groups, with only one in three pregnant women and half of children under five receiving the quality diets they need. This has significant implications for malnutrition, which manifests in three forms: under-nutrition, evident in physical underdevelopment; over-nutrition, seen in excessive weight relative to height; and hidden nutrition, also known as micronutrient deficiency. Specifically, one out of every three children in Nigeria is stunted, and a similar proportion suffers from anaemia, impacting their health and educational performance.
Additionally, it found that pregnant women often lack essential micronutrients, not just iron and folate but also zinc, vitamin B, and vitamin C. The survey emphasizes the need for accessible, safe, and affordable diverse diets, urging collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. To address these deficiencies, the survey recommends that the government facilitate access to comprehensive micronutrient supplements, currently in development with local manufacturers to ensure affordability.
Moreover, the survey suggests enhancing awareness and access to bio-fortified crops rich in nutrients like vitamin A, which are underutilized, with less than 10 per cent of households aware or using such crops. Lastly, it notes that only 62 per cent of households have access to safe drinking water, and half lack proper sanitation, with open defecation still prevalent, posing a severe health risk, particularly to children. These findings highlight critical areas for intervention to improve the overall health and nutrition of the Nigerian population.
Can you elaborate on the main challenges identified in achieving food security?
In Nigeria, we have the right policies in place but we must implement better. Despite robust policies at the federal level, effective action is required at the state, local government area (LGA), and ward levels to ensure ownership and execution. A significant barrier is the lack of public awareness; people often base their decisions on limited knowledge. There is a critical need for more deliberate social behaviour change initiatives, involving traditional and religious leaders to educate communities on nutrition.
Additionally, the implementation of nutrition-related services must be expanded to reach at least 70-80 per cent of the population across all 36 states. The private sector also plays a crucial role, particularly in the fortification of food products. For example, while iodized salt is widely available, only 30 per cent of vegetable oil products are fortified with vitamin A. Strengthening these efforts requires cohesive action from the government to enforce policies, the industry to comply with standards, and consumers to make informed choices. Together, these measures can significantly enhance food security in Nigeria.
What are some of the innovative strategies or initiatives proposed in the report to address food insecurity?
Everybody has a part to play. We need the ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to put more money in nutrition. I don’t know if you heard the Minister of Health. He said that he’s talking to his counterpart, the Minister for Budget and Economic Planning who is committed to releasing money. So, we need what we call more money for nutrition at federal, at state, at LG, at ward level.
Do you want to put a figure to it in terms of budgeting?
The calculations have been done but we need much more than what is happening, you know, at least like five times more than what the states have been doing. The second thing I would say is we need more nutrition for the money. And what does that mean? It means that if you have one Naira, do you know what the best thing is you can put it in? The states must analyze and say, Okay, we have N1 billion for nutrition. What is the best thing for our people in our state right? Is the population in my state vitamin A deficient or is it iron deficient? Now we have the data to inform the decision of the policymaker. We need to move from opinion-informed policy to evidence-informed policy. We need to move from opinion-informed programming to evidence-informed programming. I would say those are the type of innovations they don’t sound like oh, wow, we bring in something shiny and new. But these are small things that we can do and do well.
Can you touch on any regional disparities or specific vulnerable groups highlighted in the report concerning food security?
The North-East is the more food-insecure region, according to the report. Poorer households are also more affected. Rural and urban areas are equally affected by food insecurity.
How do you see the role of technology and digital solutions in improving food consumption and security, based on the recommendations in the report?
The simplest role you see everywhere is that of data. How can we use technology to collect data better, to tell us things that are happening or not happening? And to report that data, I will give you a simple example. There are tools that are available that you can take to a market and if you have oil and salt, etc, you can use technology to test and say if the salt you are seeing is really iodized. Technology can also be used, like I said, for creating the surround sound for behaviour change. We have social media today. We have many influencers. We need people talking about the new data and using technology to make sure people are aware and get the information that they need quickly.
From the data you gathered, were there ones that were more concerning? Like during the summit, we heard 21 million Nigerians are food insecure?
The data from the report reveals two major concerns. Firstly, 80 per cent of Nigerian households face some level of food insecurity, meaning only 20 per cent have adequate food. This is particularly distressing for the most vulnerable groups, such as women and children. Secondly, the nutritional support for pregnant women is lacking. They are not only deficient in iron and folate but also in other essential micronutrients, underscoring the need for comprehensive supplementation during pregnancy. Moreover, over the past six to seven years, there has been no significant improvement in the rates of stunting and wasting among children, indicating that while current efforts maintain stability, they are insufficient to improve the situation. These findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced and scalable interventions to effectively address malnutrition in Nigeria. You know, we see Nigeria as the Giant of Africa. But we do not want to continue being the giant of malnutrition too.
So in terms of collaboration, how has it been between UNICEF and governments, both at federal and state, to at least try to address some of these barriers seen in the report?
The collaboration between UNICEF and both federal and state governments in Nigeria has been strong but needs intensification to address the diverse and complex issues outlined in the report. The partnership is robust, with significant commitments from top government officials, including President Tinubu, who has declared an emergency on food security and is actively working to reduce stunting and wasting rates. Additionally, the Vice President chairs the National Council for Nutrition, advocating and promoting nutrition issues. Efforts at the bureaucratic level have also strengthened, with the Federal Ministry of Health upgrading its nutrition division to a department. These efforts signify a high level of commitment; however, there is a need to further leverage these developments to make substantial progress in nutrition across Nigeria.
What do you think can be leveraged upon in order for us to begin to see tangible results?
At the end of the day, I think we need five things to happen and happen well.
Increase Dialogue on Nutrition: We must discuss nutrition as integral to food security and acknowledge that the wellbeing of our children is a collective responsibility. Both the public and the government must actively participate in this conversation.
Improve Coordination: Unlike sectors that operate within a single ministry, nutrition spans multiple sectors including health, education, water, sanitation, and agriculture. Effective coordination across these sectors is essential for successful nutrition interventions.
Allocate Sufficient Budgets: It’s crucial to secure appropriate funding for nutrition at the federal, state, LGA, and ward levels. More financial resources are necessary to support comprehensive nutrition programs.
Optimize Nutrition Investments: We should ensure that funds are spent on the most impactful interventions, particularly targeting pregnant women and children under two—the first 1000 days of life, which are critical for preventing malnutrition.
Leverage Data for Accountability: Reliable data is vital for monitoring and improving nutrition programs. Good data not only provides accountability but also helps in making informed decisions that can shape effective policies and practices.
How does the 2024 food consumption report align with the broader sustainable development goals?
The 2024 food consumption report directly supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly emphasising the impact of achieving SDG 2 (zero hunger) on other goals. Proper nutrition is foundational, influencing not only health and poverty (SDG 1 and 3) but also gender equality and environmental sustainability. The report underscores that with the right focus on nutrition, broader advances across all SDGs can be achieved. Currently, Nigeria is behind on these goals, particularly in nutrition. To realign and accelerate progress, concerted action in the next two years is crucial. This report equips us with the necessary data to guide these efforts, advocating for strategic changes to meet the SDGs by 2030.
I know in the course of your job, you’ve had the opportunity to travel around Nigeria. What are the interesting things you’ve seen in Nigeria and want to champion?
Travelling across Nigeria has highlighted its vast diversity and the unique dietary preferences of different regions, emphasising the need for region-specific nutritional approaches. For example, what’s eaten in Enugu vastly differs from Sokoto, reflecting deep cultural ties to food. This diversity suggests that a singular national dietary recommendation isn’t feasible. Instead, leveraging local diets and enriching them with needed nutrients could prove beneficial. The richness of Nigeria’s traditional foods, like the nutritious and dense Okpa from Enugu, shows potential for enhancing children’s diets without relying on processed foods. Moreover, effective nutrition strategies require strong leadership at all levels, championing tailored approaches that consider the country’s diversity and capabilities. So, we need strong champions. For instance, the Coordinating Minister for Health is a champion for nutrition. Our Director for Health is a champion, the Director for nutrition in the Ministry of Agriculture is a champion. We need more champions at the federal and state level to talk with one voice.
Is there anything else you want to emphasise as far as the report is concerned?
Maybe one point and that is not from this report. Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture along with the Food and Agriculture Organisation did an analysis called the Cadre Harmonise. What that shows is, as we enter the lean season, it’s going to be a difficult year for Nigeria. This is the most difficult year that it’s going to be from a food and nutrition lens. And that’s the data point you heard that in June, July, August, an estimated 32 million Nigerians will face food insecurity. And this data is only for 26 states. So, if we add the remaining 10 states, it means it’s even more. You know people don’t imagine 32 million but imagine that the whole country of Ghana is in a food crisis. That’s the number we have in Nigeria today. And the lean season is upon us. We need to act now. We need to act urgently otherwise our children are getting malnourished and then risking death.
When you say we should act, are there specifics? Because in the final analysis, we’re having issues with insecurity, farmers are not going to farm and all that. So if you say we need to act now, what areas do we need to act on?
Firstly, we need to act on security and we need to ensure access to farmland. However, even if you have access to farmland, you need the resources to be able to farm well. We also need to ensure that the small holder farmers have the inputs at reasonable prices that will make a big difference and that can be done. The other thing we can do is promote homestead gardening and animal husbandry.
The government has a part of its food systems transformation mission, operation feed yourself. Which means we as consumers need to be more self-sufficient in what we do, and that’s kind of acting now. But in the meantime, the whole system must deliver the services, the social protection programmes in the country need to be rolled out faster because that will put cash in people’s hands especially those who are vulnerable. And these are all doable and they are happening but not at the rate we expect. We need to make it faster.
How do you relax after so much travelling around Nigeria? Are there fun spots you like to go to?
I love food, so we go out to eat. I love visiting suya spots, grilled fish. Nigerian culture is like Indian culture, so we go with friends and in groups. Secondly, I love to dance and Nigerian music is fantastic. I was recently in India for my niece’s wedding and one of the songs that came up was a Nigerian song and I danced to it. My favourite song is Gwagwalada by Bnxn, Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez.
In terms of a fun place to relax, you know I am from India and I love big cities, so I love to go to Lagos because it has the big city vibe.