The Health and Lifestyle Awareness Development Initiative (HLADI) proudly participated in a 4-day Nutrition Budget Tagging Refresher Workshop held from September 23-26, 2024, at the Abuja Continental Hotel. This capacity-building workshop focused on enhancing public financial management (PFM) to improve nutrition budgeting across Nigeria, particularly through the Nutrition Budget Tagging System.
Workshop Overview and Objectives
The workshop gathered representatives from various nutrition-relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) across six key states: Akwa Ibom, Abia, Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, and Plateau. By facilitating collaboration among stakeholders, the event aimed to enhance the planning, budgeting, and implementation of nutrition programs in Nigeria.
Who Attended?
The workshop attracted a diverse group of participants, including:
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Representatives from HLADI
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Members of the State Nutrition Expert Working Group
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Nutrition program planners, budgeters, and implementers
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Civil society organizations
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Development partners
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Officials from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning
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Representatives from the Nigeria Governors Forum
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Experts from the World Bank
In addition to the six states mentioned earlier, other states like Kogi, Niger, and Oyo also had representation, further enriching the discussions and collaborative efforts.
HLADI's Active Involvement
HLADI took an active role in the workshop, contributing valuable insights and expertise in nutrition budgeting. Our team engaged in breakout sessions and group discussions, sharing experiences, challenges, and best practices in nutrition budgeting. This collaborative environment fostered knowledge sharing and networking among participants, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in future nutrition initiatives.
Key Learnings and Insights
Participants emerged from the workshop with a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights. Key takeaways included:
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An overview of priority interventions and implementation arrangements within the National Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Nutrition (NMPFAN)
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Comprehensive insights into Public Financial Management Systems and their application to nutrition budgeting
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Detailed discussions on the Budget Tagging Overview and its significance for tracking nutrition expenditures
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State presentations that highlighted local successes and challenges in nutrition budgeting
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A review of the Nutrition Budget Taxonomy, providing a framework for categorizing nutrition-related expenditures
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Updates on priority interventions for the 2025 budget cycle and effective tagging practices
The Importance of Nutrition Budgeting
Effective nutrition budgeting is essential for addressing the pressing nutrition challenges in Nigeria. It plays a crucial role in:
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Improving nutrition outcomes across vulnerable populations
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Enhancing public financial management to ensure efficient allocation of resources
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Promoting transparency and accountability in government spending
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Supporting sustainable development goals through improved health and nutrition policies
Acknowledgments and Gratitude
HLADI extends heartfelt gratitude to the organizers and facilitators for their exceptional planning and execution of the workshop. We also appreciate the collaborative efforts of all partners and stakeholders who contributed to the success of this initiative. A special thanks to our dedicated team members whose active participation enriched the discussions and learning experiences.
In conclusion, the Nutrition Budget Tagging Refresher Workshop was a resounding success, enhancing participants' knowledge and skills in nutrition budgeting and promoting effective nutrition programming in Nigeria. HLADI remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster good nutrition governance and improve health outcomes for all Nigerians. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future.
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