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The Technical Working Group (TWG) of the National Food Systems Transformation Pathways has reviewed progress reports and scorecards from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), calling for stronger coordination, improved financing, and renewed implementation momentum across Nigeria’s food systems agenda.
The review took place during a two-day quarterly coordination meeting held from June 1 to 2, 2026, in Abuja, bringing together stakeholders from federal and state MDAs, research institutes, academia, development partners, and the private sector.
Declaring the meeting open, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP), Dr. Deborah Odoh—represented by the Director of Social Development, Mr. Joseph Ikpeamaeze—said the meeting was convened to strengthen coordination, enhance accountability, assess progress, and reinvigorate implementation across implementing institutions.
According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations
Mrs. Osagie Jacobs J. I,
she also noted that discussions were critical in preparing for the upcoming Food Systems National Convergence Initiative scheduled for June 10–11, 2026.
The Director of Food and Nutrition and Convenor of the Food Systems Transformation Pathways emphasized the need for sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems capable of improving livelihoods and nutrition outcomes nationwide.
At the end of deliberations, participants adopted several resolutions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food systems architecture.
The TWG called for the establishment of a more formalized coordination mechanism for the Food Systems Transformation Pathways, with clear mandates and accountability structures across federal, state, and local government levels. It also urged the FMBEP to intensify advocacy for food systems transformation and improved nutrition outcomes.
On financing, stakeholders stressed the need to align policy implementation with coordinated and bankable financing frameworks, while urging states and local governments to demonstrate concrete financial commitments beyond policy declarations. The meeting further noted that nutrition financing remains insufficient, warning that progress on transformation goals could be undermined without increased investment.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) was tasked with implementing measures to improve agricultural viability at the grassroots, including enhanced market and land access and reduced input costs to attract women and youth into the sector.
Participants also expressed concern over the declining implementation of the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme and structured youth agricultural empowerment initiatives, calling for urgent corrective action.
On food safety and consumer protection, the meeting recommended intensified nationwide awareness campaigns on identifying unsafe and substandard food products. The initiative is expected to be led by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The TWG further called for stronger enforcement of food safety standards across the entire supply chain to ensure consumer protection and improved public health outcomes.
The meeting reaffirmed commitment to Nigeria’s Food Systems Transformation Agenda and identified the upcoming National Convergence Initiative scheduled for June 10–11, 2026, as a key accountability milestone.