Victoria Mbangwa
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s determination to prioritize food security and combat malnutrition in Nigeria.
In a meeting with a delegation from the World Food Programme (WFP), led by its Executive Director Cindy McCain, Shettima emphasized the need for robust collaborations to address the nation’s food challenges.
Shettima highlighted the government’s commitment, noting President Tinubu’s personal dedication to improving the nation’s food systems and ensuring better nutrition, particularly through initiatives like the school feeding program.
He said, “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 federal government is introducing the school feeding programme to tackle malnutrition among children.”
Recalling his tenure as the governor of Borno State, Shettima expressed his gratitude to the WFP for their unwavering support during difficult times. He said, “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.”
In her response, McCain praised the Nigerian government’s efforts, particularly its focus on Africa-led solutions to address food insecurity and malnutrition. She pledged continued support from the WFP, especially in conflict-affected areas, to help alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations.
In a separate engagement with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Shettima also highlighted the federal government’s strategic partnership with the private sector to drive economic growth and industrialization. He underscored the critical role the private sector plays in advancing the country’s industrialization goals, job creation, and overall economic development.
Speaking ahead of the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit, the vice president noted that the Tinubu administration’s pro-business policies, particularly around improving infrastructure such as power, aim to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. “Without power, there can be no industrialization,” Shettima emphasized, stating that getting the power sector right would significantly propel Nigeria’s economic influence across Africa.
Shettima further assured the private sector of the administration’s commitment to fostering an environment that supports business growth, innovation, and sustainable development. “This government speaks the language of business,” he said, referencing Tinubu’s deep understanding of the business landscape. He added that the government is focused on creating hope and opportunities, particularly for the youth, to drive Nigeria’s economic potential.
The Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Tope Fasua, urged the NESG to move beyond discussions and focus on delivering tangible results that will drive the nation’s economic growth. Meanwhile, NESG Vice Chairman Omoboyede Olusanya, emphasized that the upcoming economic summit would serve as a key platform to address regulatory reforms and foster collaboration across sectors for sustainable development.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its economic and food security challenges, the Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its resolve to engage with both local and global partners to secure a more prosperous future for the country.
