Reporting by Premium Times indicates that the Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to nutrition security by aggressively expanding the cultivation of biofortified crops. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Marcus Ogunbiyi, revealed that Nigeria now holds the largest portfolio of these crops globally. This strategy aims to combat “hidden hunger” by providing essential vitamins and minerals through staple foods like cassava, maize, and sweet potatoes.
The announcement was made during a national workshop in Kano, where officials highlighted the role of biofortification in reducing malnutrition-related illnesses. By integrating these crops into the national food system, the government hopes to improve the health of millions of Nigerians, particularly children and pregnant women in rural areas.
Stakeholders at the event emphasized the need for better seed distribution networks to ensure that smallholder farmers can access these improved varieties. The government is partnering with international agricultural organizations to provide technical support and scale up production across the six geopolitical zones.
Vanguard verified the initiative, reporting that the government is also linking biofortified crop production to the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme. A nutrition specialist quoted in The Guardian said, “Biofortification is a cost-effective way to deliver micronutrients to the most vulnerable populations.” Daily Trust also covered the workshop, quoting a farmer who stated, “These new varieties are not just healthy; they are yielding better than our traditional seeds.”
Echotitbits take: This is a major win for Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Beyond health, this move positions Nigeria as a leader in African agritech. The next challenge will be ensuring these crops reach the market at competitive prices to displace less nutritious alternatives.
Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/agriculture/agric-news/856749-nigerian-govt-commits-to-adoption-of-biofortified-crops.html, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: Premium Times
Tag: nutrition
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Nigeria Expands Food Security Drive with Largest Global Biofortified Crop Portfolio
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Anambra teen wins healthy cooking contest as Soludo’s programme pushes nutrition in schools
Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-20 09:45:00In a report published by The Punch, a student of St. Charles College, Onitsha, Ikechukwu Ifechukwu, won Anambra’s 2025 Healthy Living Cooking Competition linked to First Lady Dr Nonye Soludo’s school programme.
The event in Awka brought students from all 21 local government areas to compete on healthy meal preparation under time limits, with judging based on hygiene, taste, presentation and service.
Organisers say the aim is to strengthen nutrition awareness and practical life skills among young people, while also challenging gender stereotypes around cooking.
Daily Post described the outcome as a male student who “emerged winner” of the cooking competition in Anambra. The Punch quoted Mrs Soludo saying the initiative “defies stereotypes and traditional misconceptions,” adding that schoolboys have now won for two straight editions.
Echotitbits take:
It’s lifestyle content with a policy edge: nutrition habits built in school can scale into public health outcomes. Watch for whether the programme expands, how schools track nutrition outcomes, and whether local foods and hygiene education become more visible in the curriculum.Source: The Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/anambra-college-student-wins-soludos-cooking-competition/)
The Punch 2025-12-20 -
UNICEF Flags Rising Child Stunting in Ebonyi, Delivers Nutrition Supplements
UNICEF warned that malnutrition remains a major public health concern in Ebonyi and handed over cartons of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements. The intervention was supported by a match-fund arrangement involving state co-financing.
The agency urged efficient last-mile delivery, particularly in rural communities, to curb stunting and improve child health outcomes.
2025-12-10
Punch Newspapers
2025-12-10