Uyo, The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, chaired by Hon. Elder Moses Essien, today hosted an interactive meeting with Local Government Chairmen, leaders of Local Government Legislative Councils, and key stakeholders in government agencies. The meeting, held at the AKHA Conference Room, focused on strategies to combat malnutrition and food insecurity across the state.
In his welcome address, Hon. Essien expressed gratitude to attendees and highlighted the committee’s mandate, which was inaugurated on November 21, 2024, following the establishment of the National Legislative Network (NLN) on Nutrition and Food Security in Abuja. According to him, the committee is committed to fostering collaboration among stakeholders, including federal, state, and local governments, as well as international development partners.
Committee Mandate and Objectives
Hon. Essien outlined the committee’s key responsibilities, including oversight of nutrition-related matters across relevant ministries, advocating for legislative reforms, monitoring resource allocation for nutrition in budgets, and partnering with civil society organizations (CSOs) and development agencies. He emphasized the importance of aligning the committee’s activities with global commitments and advancing the state’s nutrition priorities.
Prominent development partners supporting nutrition initiatives in Nigeria include UNICEF, USAID, the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), among others.
Rising Malnutrition Statistics in Akwa Ibom
Citing the 2023/2024 National Demographic Health Survey, Hon. Essien revealed alarming malnutrition statistics in Akwa Ibom State. Approximately 24.1% of children in the state are stunted, 11.8% are wasted, and 22.6% are underweight. “These indicators show the level of malnutrition in the state that calls for serious concern among critical stakeholders,” he said, stressing the need for urgent intervention to reduce child mortality and improve public health.
Decentralizing Nutrition Committees to LG Levels
Hon. Essien proposed the establishment of nutrition and food security committees at the local government level to ensure grassroots engagement. He urged Local Government Legislative Councils to appoint chairpersons and inaugurate committees to domesticate efforts in combating malnutrition. A workshop will soon be organized in partnership with development agencies to build the capacity of these committees.
Aligning with the State’s Arise Agenda
The initiative aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda, which prioritizes nutrition and food security as part of the state’s development goals. “Together, we can collectively assist in actualizing the Governor’s vision as captured in Chapter 5.2.1 of the Arise Agenda document,” Hon. Essien noted.
In closing, he reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to fostering collaboration and thanked stakeholders for their dedication to addressing malnutrition and food insecurity in the state.
