ACCI commends FG on review of national food, nutrition policy framework

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has commended the Federal Government for initiating the review of the National Policy on Food and Nutrition 2016 to 2025.

Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of the ACCI, disclosed this while reacting to the ongoing policy overhaul on Wednesday in Abuja.

Obegolu described the move as timely and critical to strengthening Nigeria’s economic resilience, food security and human capital development.

He noted that a robust, forward-looking food and nutrition framework was essential not only for improving public health outcomes but also for enhancing national productivity, strengthening agro-industrial value chains and stimulating private sector growth.

“Food and nutrition security are foundational to economic stability and sustainable development.

“A well-structured policy framework that responds to current realities, including climate change, rising food costs, supply chain disruptions, and demographic pressures, will significantly enhance the capacity of Nigerian businesses.

“Also improve, particularly, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), to contribute meaningfully to national growth,” he said.

Obegolu emphasised that the proposed 10-year roadmap 2026 to 2035 presents a strategic opportunity to deepen private sector participation in food systems transformation, agribusiness innovation, food processing, storage, logistics and nutrition focused enterprises.

According to him, for the revised policy to deliver measurable impact, it must deliberately create an enabling environment for investment through policy coherence, fiscal incentives, improved access to finance and strong public-private partnerships.

“The business community stands ready to collaborate with government, development partners and civil society to drive practical solutions that ensure affordable and nutritious food for all Nigerians.

“While also stimulating enterprise development and job creation,” he added.

The president said that ACCI also welcomed the consultative approach adopted in the review process, noting that broad stakeholder engagement enhanced policy ownership, implementation effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

He reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to supporting national efforts aimed at improving food systems and reducing malnutrition in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He called for the deliberate inclusion of the dairy industry as a strategic pillar in the updated framework.

He noted that the dairy sector plays a critical role in combating malnutrition, particularly among children, women, and vulnerable populations given its high nutritional value and contribution to protein and micronutrient intake.

“In spite of Nigeria’s cattle population of over 20 million, more than 60 per cent of national dairy demand is currently met through imports.

“This is due to low local productivity, weak value chains, inadequate infrastructure and limited adoption of modern dairy practices,’’ he said.

Obegolu said that targeted policy support for the dairy industry would significantly reduce import dependence, strengthen local production, create jobs and improve national nutrition outcomes.

He described the recent establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a welcome and timely institutional reform capable of improving sector coordination, addressing long-standing structural challenges and strengthening livestock value chains.

“A well-coordinated livestock policy framework could also help address persistent farmer herder conflicts that have disrupted agricultural production, displaced rural communities and threatened food security in several parts of the country.

“ACCI also underscored the importance of strong collaboration with local government authorities and grassroots institutions to ensure effective policy implementation.

“The local governments are best positioned to translate national policy interventions into tangible community level out,’’ he said.