On March 11, 2025, the Health and Lifestyle Awareness Development Initiative (HLADI) participated in the National Multisectoral Partners’ Breakfast Meeting held at Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja. The meeting convened key stakeholders from government, development agencies, civil society, the private sector, and technical partners to support the ongoing review of the National Policy on Food and Nutrition (NPFN) and the National Multisectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition.
The gathering focused on strengthening coordination, evaluating the current policy framework, and mobilizing resources for an effective, unified national response to Nigeria’s nutrition challenges.
Meeting Objectives
The meeting aimed to:
- Bring together key stakeholders to evaluate and contribute to the nutrition policy review process
- Identify gaps and areas of improvement within the existing NPFN
- Discuss proposed activities, timelines, and budgeting for the policy review
- Strengthen multisectoral alignment and collaboration
These discussions set the tone for a more cohesive and evidence-driven policy reform process.
Why the Review Was Important
Stakeholders emphasized the need for an updated policy framework that will:
- Address rising issues of food insecurity, malnutrition, and public health concerns
- Strengthen national capacity to promote healthy diets and sustainable food systems
- Align with global standards and prioritize vulnerable groups, including women and children
The review was positioned as a critical step toward improving nutritional outcomes and advancing Nigeria’s human capital development goals.
Scope of Activities in the Review Process
Participants were briefed on the components of the policy review, which included:
- Establishing a review committee
- Conducting a comprehensive situation analysis
- Engaging stakeholders across multiple sectors
- Revising the policy framework and institutional arrangements
- Drafting and validating the updated National Policy on Food and Nutrition
These activities aim to ensure that the renewed policy reflects national priorities and current realities.
Key Deliverables
The review process is expected to produce:
- A comprehensive, updated National Food and Nutrition Policy
- An implementation framework with clear roles, responsibilities, and measurable indicators
These outputs will guide coordinated action at national, state, and local government levels.
Resource Mobilization and Collaboration
A dedicated session focused on strategies for sustainable financing, enhanced partner collaboration, and improved resource mobilization. Stakeholders discussed opportunities for joint action, pooled funding, and strengthened accountability mechanisms to support the rollout of the revised policy.
Next Steps
Participants agreed on several follow-up actions:
- Formal establishment of the policy review committee
- Data consolidation from relevant sectors and agencies
- Continued partner engagement at national and subnational levels
- Development of a detailed roadmap for the policy revision and adoption process
Participating Organizations
The meeting brought together a wide range of partners, including:
- Federal Ministries
- UN agencies
- International NGOs
- Civil society organizations
- Development partners
- Technical and financial partners
Their collective expertise and alignment underscored a strong national commitment to addressing Nigeria’s nutrition challenges.
Conclusion
The Partners’ Breakfast Meeting concluded with a renewed dedication to a collaborative, inclusive, and evidence-based review process. HLADI remains committed to supporting national efforts to strengthen the food and nutrition policy landscape and to ensuring that the revised framework effectively addresses the needs of communities across Nigeria.