Launch of Nutrition 774—A Milestone for Grassroots Nutrition Action
In February 2025, during Nigeria’s 148th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Nutrition 774 Initiative (N‑774) was officially launched by Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, in his capacity as Chairman of the National Council on Nutrition. The launch marked a pivotal moment in the country’s fight against malnutrition across all 774 Local Government Areas.
Designed as the first-ever government-led, community-driven nutrition programme, N‑774 adopts a multi-sectoral approach. Its aim is to ensure maternal and child nutrition interventions reach every Nigerian community, regardless of location. The initiative is built on a foundation of strong governance, local ownership, and data-driven accountability.
Vice President Shettima emphasized that malnutrition is more than a health issue — it's a barrier to Nigeria’s national productivity, educational outcomes, and future economic potential. With nearly 40% of children under five stunted, 8% wasting, and 27% underweight, the initiative represents a collective pledge to tackle this crisis decisively.
Nutrition 774 rests on five core pillars:
Decentralized Coordination – Empowering LGAs to lead local interventions.
Data Accountability – Building robust systems to track outcomes.
Financing – Securing sustainable resources at state and local levels.
Nutrition Prioritization – Elevating nutrition as a public policy agenda.
Scaling Interventions – Delivering impactful programs tailored to local needs.
On July 23–25, 2025, Abia State Governor Alex Otti inaugurated the Abia State Council on Nutrition to support implementation of the N‑774 initiative in the state. The Council, chaired by the Governor and comprising representatives from various ministries, is mandated to oversee strategy, coordination, and reporting of nutrition programs aligned with federal directives.
Governor Otti noted Abia’s strong commitment to public wellbeing—allocating 15% of its budget to health and 20% to education—but emphasized that systematic nutrition monitoring was a gap that N‑774 aims to close.
N‑774 brings together federal agencies, state governments, local communities, private sector stakeholders, and civil society, aligning them around a shared mission to end malnutrition through local action. At the press of the launch, local authorities—particularly Local Government Chairmen—pledged to activate nutrition committees, establish budget lines, and drive nutrition education in schools and facilities. This LGA-based model redefines Nigeria’s approach to nutrition from central planning to community ownership.
Nutrition 774 represents a historic shift toward meaningful, sustainable change:
A national priority led by the Vice President with strong stakeholder commitment
A decentralized framework putting LGAs at the center of delivery
A commitment to data, accountability, and multi-sector collaboration
As the initiative unfolds, HLADI AFRICA’s N‑774 Dashboard will serve as your go-to portal for updates, training resources, impact tracking, and opportunities to participate in tasks and quizzes—helping ensure no community is left behind.
