By Bala Umar, Minna
Nutrition experts, policymakers and healthcare professionals have called for stronger collaboration and increased investment in nutrition to combat the growing burden of malnutrition in Nigeria.
The call was made at the opening of the 56th National Scientific Conference of the Institute of Dietitians in Nigeria (IDN) held at the Lt. Gen. T.A. Lagbaja Multipurpose Hall, Army Barracks, Minna.
The conference has as its theme, “Sustainable Nutrition for All: Strengthening Food Systems and Dietetics Practice to Combat Malnutrition in Nigeria”.
Founded in 1970, the Institute of Dietitians in Nigeria is the country’s foremost professional body for dietitians, promoting excellence in nutrition practice through research, professional development, advocacy and policy engagement.
The annual scientific conference serves as a platform for experts, researchers and policymakers to deliberate on strategies for improving nutrition and public health across the country.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor Awogbenja Dehinde Makanjuola described malnutrition as a major public health challenge, highlighting its various forms, including under-nutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overweight and obesity. He stressed the need for sustainable food systems, improved nutrition education and stronger dietetics practice to improve health outcomes.
Professor Makanjuola also expressed concern over the shortage of dietitians in Niger State, revealing that only about 60 practicing dietitians currently serve the state. He disclosed that the Honourable Minister of Health had recommended the employment of more qualified dietitians to strengthen nutrition services and improve healthcare delivery.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Health as the chairman of the occasion at the opening ceremony, the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Dr. Abubakar Usman, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the nutritional status of Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Health Sector Renewal Initiative.
He noted that nutrition is fundamental to health, human capital development, productivity and national economic growth, stressing that addressing malnutrition requires coordinated action across the health, agriculture, education, water and sanitation, finance and social protection sectors.
He urged stakeholders to translate the conference resolutions into practical actions by making healthy diets more affordable, strengthening nutrition services at the primary healthcare level and increasing the deployment of qualified dietitians nationwide.
A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the presentation of the Institute of Dietitians in Nigeria Outstanding Performance Award to the Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, in recognition of his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare and nutrition in the state.
The First Lady of Niger State, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago, was also conferred with the Fellowship of the Institute of Dietitians in Nigeria (FIDN) in recognition of her support for health and nutrition initiatives.
Former Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, was equally conferred with the Fellowship of the Institute of Dietitians in Nigeria (FIDN) in recognition of his contributions to national development and public health advocacy.
Reacting to the honour, Dr. Aliyu expressed surprise and gratitude, describing dietetics as a profession whose importance is often overlooked despite its vital role in disease prevention and healthy living.
He stressed that healthy living depends not on the quantity of food consumed but on its nutritional quality, noting that proper nutrition from infancy lays the foundation for a healthier society.
Dr. Aliyu also commended the Institute for choosing Minna as the host city for the conference, saying it would create greater awareness of the role of dietitians among Niger State residents, while pledging to actively support the Institute’s activities in his new capacity as a Fellow.
Earlier, the President of the Institute of Dietitians in Nigeria said the conference was organised to promote professional development, policy dialogue, research and evidence-based solutions aimed at strengthening food systems and improving nutrition outcomes across Nigeria.
The vote of thanks was delivered by the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Hajiya Asmau Abubakar Muhammad, who appreciated participants, partners and stakeholders for their support towards the successful hosting of the conference.
The five-day conference continues in Minna with scientific presentations, technical sessions and policy discussions expected to produce recommendations that will strengthen dietetics practice and contribute to reducing malnutrition across Nigeria.
