The National Economic Council (NEC) has urged all levels of government and private sector stakeholders to take immediate action against malnutrition in Nigeria. However, discussions on local government autonomy, state police, and allegations of U.S. funding for Boko Haram were notably absent from the agenda.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs NEC, launched the Nutrition 774 Initiative at the 148th NEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He stressed that malnutrition is a major barrier to national growth, affecting productivity, education, and economic development.
Shettima highlighted alarming statistics, revealing that 40% of Nigerian children under five suffer from stunted growth, 8% experience wasting, and 27% are underweight. He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu has made tackling malnutrition a national priority.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, speaking on behalf of the 36 state governors, pledged their full support for the initiative. Local government chairmen and representatives of partner organizations also expressed their commitment.
Meanwhile, NEC members commended the Economic Management Team (EMT) for its 2025 priorities, as presented by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
Separately, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) resolved to work closely with state legislatures to ensure state interests are reflected in the ongoing constitutional amendment process. This decision followed a meeting with the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (COSLON) in Abuja.
A communiqué issued by NGF Chairman, Governor AbdulRazaq, reaffirmed the governors’ commitment to governance reforms and policy implementation. COSLON also announced a partnership with the Development Finance Institution (DFI) to digitize State Houses of Assembly for greater efficiency and transparency.
In fiscal matters, the NGF endorsed a revised Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing formula on January 17, allocating 50% based on equality, 30% on derivation, and 20% on population.
Additionally, the Federal Government inaugurated 50 new Tax Appeal Commissioners on Wednesday to strengthen economic reforms and revenue generation. Wale Edun underscored their role in ensuring fair tax dispute resolution, fostering investment, and promoting a business-friendly environment.