High number of undernourished children worrisome – FG

The Nigerian government is alarmed by the rising number of malnourished children in the country.

According to the Federal Government, no fewer than 25 million children in Nigeria are undernourished and stunted, with Nigeria ranking number one in Africa and second globally, in terms of malnutrition prevalence.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who quoted the figures from UNICEF, said this at the inauguration of the National Dairy Policy in Abuja on Tuesday.

Dr Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement), who represented Shettima said the dairy policy is aimed at transforming the dairy and livestock sectors to achieve food and nutritional security.

He said that the dairy industry in Nigeria had a critical role in tackling this issue of undernourishment among children.

“According to UNICEF, about 25 million children in Nigeria are undernourished and stunted, making our country rank number one in Africa and second globally, in terms of malnutrition prevalence.

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“The dairy industry in Nigeria plays a critical role in addressing this issue, providing essential nutrients like vitamins; protein; magnesium; and calcium necessary for proper growth and development from infancy to adulthood.

“The demand for animal-source foods in Nigeria is driven by three major factors – population size, income per capita, and urbanization.

“As our population grows, so the demand for livestock products.

“However, despite this growing demand, our dairy sector faces significant hurdles; including low productivity; inadequate infrastructure; and limited access to markets,” Shettima said.