On Monday, September 22, 2025, Nigeria and Senegal deepened their partnership on nutrition governance as Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, opened a three-day technical session in Abuja with the Senegalese Mission to Nigeria. The session focused on experience sharing in public financial management systems for nutrition and was held at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
In his remarks, Senator Bagudu described Nigeria and Senegal as “brothers and sisters bound by history, culture, and contemporary ties,” adding with humor that “the Guinness World Record recently won by Hilda Bassey is evidence of Nigeria’s edge in our friendly jollof rivalry.” He emphasised that nutrition is not just a health concern but a constitutional and developmental priority, calling it the “single most important investment in human capital development.” Senator Bagudu highlighted that Nigeria’s Constitution, Nigeria Agenda 2050, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda all recognise food security and nutrition as national priorities.
Acknowledging the complexity of Nigeria’s federal system, with over 800 budgets prepared annually across three tiers of government, the Minister stressed the importance of coordination mechanisms such as the National Economic Council and the Presidential Food Systems Initiative. He noted that nutrition is a multisectoral challenge extending beyond food and health to water, environment, climate change, and culture. He urged faith-based and community leaders to collaborate with government to reshape dietary behaviour, particularly among pregnant women and young children, noting that many families eat based on affordability rather than nutritional need.
The Acting Permanent Secretary reinforced this perspective, stating that budgeting for food and nutrition must translate into tangible outcomes, with success measured by whether citizens become healthier, stronger, and more productive. He highlighted ongoing reforms to integrate nutrition into public financial systems under the Multisectoral Nutrition Strategic Plan.
The World Bank Country Director, Mr. Matthew Verghis, commended both governments for prioritising nutrition, stressing that the health of children today shapes the future of national economies. He praised Nigeria’s integration of nutrition into its Budget and Planning Ministry and Senegal’s leadership in multisectoral early childhood development, emphasising that the shared lessons from this collaboration could inspire the broader region.
Senator Bagudu concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the partnership and appreciation for development partners such as the World Bank. He noted that lessons from the exchange would strengthen nutrition governance in both countries and have ripple effects across ECOWAS, the African Union, and globally. “Together, we are laying the foundation for healthier societies and a brighter future for our children,” he said.
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