The Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) joins the global community in marking World Food Day 2025, under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”. This year’s commemoration coincides with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), a reminder of how far the world has come, and how much more remains to be done to end hunger and malnutrition.
Despite progress, millions of Nigerians still face challenges in accessing safe, nutritious, and affordable food. Nutrition Society of Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to advancing food systems that promote health, sustainability, and equity for all.

Nigeria at a Crossroads: A Call to Action
Nigeria remains Africa’s most populous nation and one of its leading food producers. Yet, malnutrition persists across all age groups and income levels. Current data show that one in three children under five is stunted, while overweight and obesity are rising among adults. Changing diets, limited access to diverse foods, and a growing dependence on processed foods contribute to this double burden of malnutrition.
Climate change, conflict, post-harvest losses, and soaring food prices further threaten food security. The Society hereby stresses the urgent need for nutrition to be central in agricultural and development policies, backed by increased funding, multi-sectoral collaboration, and stronger community engagement.

NSN’s Commitment to Transforming Nigeria’s Food Systems
To support this year’s global theme, NSN is advancing key actions across five focus areas:

Nutrition Advocacy and Policy Influence NSN will continue to provide evidence-based guidance to inform national and subnational food and nutrition policies that address both undernutrition and diet-related diseases.
Capacity Strengthening and Nutrition Education The Society will expand professional training for nutritionists, dietitians, health workers, and agricultural officers, and also promote community-level nutrition education of culturally appropriate local diets.
Support for Smallholder Farmers and Local Food Systems Recognising the vital role of small farmers, NSN will foster collaboration between nutrition experts and farmers to promote nutrient-rich crops, improve food storage, and strengthen local value chains.
Research and Innovation for Nutrition Security NSN will partner with academia, government, and the private sector to advance research on climate-resilient crops, food fortification, and behavioural change for healthier food choices.
Partnerships and Accountability The Society will continue to work with ministries of Budget and Economic Planning, Health, Agriculture, Education, Women Affairs, and Environment, as well as with Government agencies, development partners and private sector actors, to align actions and ensure measurable nutrition outcomes.

What Stakeholders Must Do
The Nutrition Society of Nigeria emphasizes that no single actor can solve the nutrition challenge alone. All sectors, public, private, and community must act decisively and collaboratively.
Government: Prioritise nutrition in national and local budgets, invest in climate-smart agriculture, and scale up safety net programmes for vulnerable households.
Private Sector: Reformulate products for better nutrition, minimize food waste, and support initiatives like school feeding, community gardens, and local food enterprises.
Schools and Research Institutions: Generate and disseminate local evidence to inform nutrition policy and programme design.
Media and Civil Society: Amplify nutrition awareness, share success stories, and promote accountability across all actors.
Communities and Individuals: Choose nutritious foods, reduce household food waste, and support local farmers and markets. Small, consistent choices can create lasting change.

Building Partnerships for Impact
Achieving food and nutrition security for all Nigerians will require innovation, inclusion, and sustained commitment from government at all levels. The NSN is deepening partnerships with all stakeholders to strengthen food systems and empower communities, particularly women, youth, and smallholder farmers, while ensuring that these efforts remain sustainable and nationally owned.
The Society promotes partnerships at all levels within Nigeria linking government, academia, development partners, private sector, and communities, while also supporting exchange of ideas and lessons from successful programmes that strengthen resilience toward sustainable food systems.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, NSN envisions a Nigeria where everyone, rural farmers and urban residents alike, has access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food. Achieving this vision demands increased investment in agriculture, nutrition education, and environmentally sustainable innovations grounded in research and empathy.
The future of food and nutrition in Nigeria lies in our collective hands. Every farmer, policymaker, scientist, and citizen must work hand in hand for better foods and a better future, ensuring that no one is left behind.
About the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN)
Founded in 1963, the Nutrition Society of Nigeria is the foremost professional body for nutritionists, dietitians, and food scientists in Nigeria. The Society promotes the study and practice of nutrition, provides scientific advice for policy and programmes, and fosters collaboration across sectors to advance public health and national development.

Media Contact
Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN)
National Secretariat, Lagos, Nigeria
Email: info@nutritionigeria.org
Website: https://nutritionnigeria.org/
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