By Milcah Tanimu

The Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has emphasized the importance of improved domestic funding and strategic resource mobilisation for nutrition in the country.

Speaking at a media roundtable on “Investing in Nutrition for Human Capital Development in Nigeria” in Abuja, Mr. Sunday Okoronkwo, the Executive Secretary of CS-SUNN, highlighted the critical role of nutrition in Human Capital Development (HCD). He emphasized that nutrition serves as a cornerstone for the physical and mental well-being of individuals and plays a vital role in enhancing productivity.

Okoronkwo stressed that deficiencies in essential nutrients lead to malnutrition, which not only affects individual health but also hinders economic prosperity and the nation’s progress towards achieving its Human Capital Development goals.

Nigeria’s HCD Vision aims for “Healthy, Educated, and Productive Nigerians by the Year 2030,” focusing on health and nutrition, education, and labor force participation. The recent approval by the Vice President and the establishment of a multi-sectoral committee to spearhead the federal government’s Human Capital Development program signify significant steps towards enhancing Nigeria’s human capital index.

Despite commendable efforts, Okoronkwo expressed concern over the persistent challenge of malnutrition in Nigeria. He highlighted the country’s alarming rates of malnutrition, which hinder the unlocking of its human capital potential. Nigeria’s Human Capital Index (HCI) is currently low, reflecting the urgent need for concerted action to address malnutrition.

CS-SUNN underscored the crucial role of nutrition in driving human capital development and called for innovative financing mechanisms to bridge existing gaps. The organization stressed the importance of increased domestic funding and strategic resource mobilisation to address malnutrition effectively and break the cycle of poverty and underdevelopment in Nigeria.