Tinubu committed to food security – Shettima

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the administration’s strong commitment to tackling Nigeria’s food security challenges, particularly the issue of malnutrition.

In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima emphasised that enhanced collaboration with international organizations and key stakeholders is crucial to bolstering federal and state efforts in addressing these challenges.

Shettima made these remarks on Monday during a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa by a delegation from the World Food Programme (WFP), led by its Executive Director, Cindy McCain.

“The president has given his commitment towards addressing the core challenge of food security. He has declared a commitment towards tackling food insecurity and there is a need for us for further collaboration between the WFP and the government of Nigeria on strengthening food systems and improving nutrition in the country,” the VP stated.

The Vice President emphasized that the school feeding programme, recently introduced by the federal government, aligns with the President’s vision for ensuring food security in Nigeria. This initiative is aimed at addressing child malnutrition across the country.

He also called for deeper collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the World Food Programme (WFP) to bolster food systems and intensify efforts to combat malnutrition.

Recalling the support of the WFP to Borno state when he was governor, the VP noted: “Right from my days as a governor in Borno, we have had a very close working relationship with the WFP. They were there for us in our times of need, they stood by us and solidarized with us without playing to the gallery.

“I thank you, most sincerely for all of your efforts and I want to request for more. The governor of Borno is a very committed and upright gentleman. He is fully committed to the welfare of the people and he needs more support. But the challenge in Borno as it is elsewhere across the country, is humongous,” he added.

In her remarks, McCain emphasised her visit to Nigeria with her team to identify opportunities for enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and the World Food Programme (WFP), aimed at tackling the pressing challenges faced by the populace.

She expressed enthusiasm for the government’s initiatives to combat food insecurity and malnutrition, highlighting the “unique potential for Africa-led solutions to these challenges, which is both exciting and commendable.”

Mrs McCain also reaffirmed the WFP’s commitment to ongoing support and partnership with authorities at all levels in Nigeria, particularly in regions impacted by conflict, to help alleviate the suffering of affected communities.