Every Dollar Invested in Nutrition Yields $23 Return, Says Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the economic and social importance of investing in nutrition, stating that every dollar spent on nutrition initiatives yields a return of up to 23 dollars.

He made the remark while unveiling the federal government’s Nutrition 774 Initiative, a nationwide framework aimed at tackling malnutrition and food insecurity across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, noted that improved nutrition is not only a health priority but also a cornerstone for national productivity and sustainable development.

He explained that malnutrition, especially among women and children, continues to weaken the nation’s workforce and impede economic growth, stressing that “no country can thrive when its citizens are undernourished.”

The Vice President cited findings from the World Bank’s Investment Framework for Nutrition, which revealed that every dollar invested in nutrition could yield up to 23 dollars in economic returns through enhanced productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and improved educational outcomes.

The global report underscores how scaling up proven nutrition interventions can drive massive long-term benefits for developing nations.

Shettima’s remarks come amid growing concerns about rising malnutrition levels in Nigeria, where millions of children under five suffer from stunting and other nutrition-related deficiencies.

He urged state governments, development partners, and the private sector to commit to the nutrition agenda, adding that the new framework would ensure that every Nigerian household gains access to adequate and balanced diets.

According to reports, the Nutrition 774 Initiative seeks to coordinate nutrition-related efforts across multiple sectors — including health, agriculture, and education — while strengthening data collection, public awareness, and food fortification programs.

Experts say that, if properly implemented, such interventions could help Nigeria save billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and healthcare expenses.

The Vice President also linked food security to national security, warning that widespread hunger and poor nutrition often fuel instability. He reaffirmed the government’s determination to reverse the trend, describing the initiative as a major step toward “building a healthier, stronger, and more resilient Nigeria.”