The Lagos State Government has called for stronger multisectoral action to address Nigeria’s nutrition challenges, stressing that improved nutrition is essential to human development, productivity and quality of life.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, made the call while serving as Chairman and Special Guest of Honour at the opening of the 56th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Delivering Better Nutrition for All: Connecting the Dots Across Life Cycle, Systems, and Sectors,” Lajide said tackling malnutrition requires coordinated efforts across different sectors and stages of life.
She advocated evidence-based policies, improved nutrition data and innovative interventions targeted at vulnerable groups, noting that a stronger nutrition system would contribute to better health and human capital development.
President of the NSN, Prof. Salisu Maiwada Abubakar, disclosed that about 800 new members would be inducted at the conference, describing it as the highest number of inductees in a single year. UNICEF Representative, Mrs. Nemat Hajboy, and Gates Foundation Senior Programme Officer, Mr. Alem Abay, also called for stronger collaboration and increased participation of young professionals in advancing Nigeria’s nutrition agenda.
