The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved the constitution of a State Standing Committee on Nutrition to strengthen inter-ministerial coordination and improve the nutritional status of citizens across the state.
This was stated by the State Commissioner of Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council Meeting held on Tuesday at Government House, Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.
According to the commissioner, the decision reflects government’s commitment to better nutrition for all citizens of the state.
“The Council has approved the constitution of the State Committee on Nutrition as part of the government’s commitment to improving the nutritional status of citizens through coordinated, multi-sectoral action,” Musa said.
He explained that the Committee will ensure better collaboration among ministries.
“The Committee is established to ensure effective inter-ministerial collaboration and sustained attention to all nutrition-related issues that will promote a healthier society,” he stated.
Additionally, he noted that special attention will be given to vulnerable groups.
“It will have particular emphasis on improving the wellbeing of vulnerable children and women,” the Commissioner said.
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He said the government recognises nutrition as a joint responsibility. “The Council has recognized that nutrition is a shared responsibility requiring the collective efforts of key sectors,” Musa stated.
Moreso, the commissioner outlined the core mandate of the new Committee, explaining that “the Committee will provide strategic leadership, policy coordination, and oversight for the planning and implementation of nutrition interventions across the state.”
He further announced that the Commissioner for Health will chair the Committee. “The Committee will be chaired by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdullahi Kainuwa,” Musa stated.
Other members, he said, are drawn from key ministries and agencies, revealing that “The members include the Commissioner for Water Resources, Commissioner for Environment, Commissioner for Local Government, Commissioner for Women Affairs, and Commissioner for Budget,”.
“Also on the Committee are the Special Adviser to His Excellency on Nutrition and the Director General, Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Agency,” the Commissioner stated.
He disclosed that the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Agency will serve as the Secretary of the Committee.
Accordingly, Musa expressed that “the establishment of the State Committee on Nutrition reflects the government’s resolve to tackle malnutrition through an integrated approach that brings together relevant ministries, departments, and agencies.”
He further revealed that “the Committee will facilitate coordinated planning, efficient resource utilization, and effective implementation of nutrition policies and programmes aimed at reducing malnutrition and improving health outcomes across the state.”
