By Sarah NEGEDU
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has called for increased investment in dietetics and preventive healthcare to tackle Nigeria’s rising burden of malnutrition and diet-related diseases.
She warned that Nigeria is currently grappling with undernutrition, food insecurity and micronutrient deficiencies while also witnessing a rise in obesity, diabetes, hypertension, stroke and other diet-related non-communicable diseases, therefore the need for stronger nutrition and preventive healthcare interventions.
The call was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, following Mahmoud’s remarks at the 17th Scientific Conference and National Workshop of the Dietitians Association of Nigeria, DAN, in Abuja.
Represented by her Special Assistant on Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Junaidu Yakubu Muhammad, the minister described the conference theme, “The Future of Dietetics in Nigeria: Practice, Innovation and Sustainability,” as timely, saying the future of healthcare in Nigeria must give greater prominence to nutrition, preventive care and the role of dietitians in promoting healthier lives.
In her words, “Nigeria’s nutritional landscape presents us with a double burden that demands urgent and coordinated action. While millions of households still grapple with undernutrition and food insecurity, we are also seeing a worrying rise in obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other diet-related diseases.
“This reality calls for stronger investment in nutrition, preventive healthcare, and professional dietetic services,” she said.
Mahmoud noted that dietetics has evolved beyond its traditional perception as a support service, saying it is now globally recognised as a key pillar of disease prevention, health promotion, recovery, resilience and sustainable human development.
According to her, “Dietetics is no longer a peripheral component of healthcare. It is central to disease prevention, health promotion, recovery, and the building of healthier societies.
“Dietitians are not only caregivers in hospitals and clinics; they are educators, researchers, advocates, and critical partners in shaping better health outcomes for our people.”
She said nutrition remains fundamental to human capital development, educational attainment, maternal and child survival, workforce productivity and national prosperity.
“A healthy nation is not built by hospitals and medicines alone. It is also built through sound nutrition, preventive care, public enlightenment, and deliberate investments in the wellbeing of citizens.
“Food is not merely for satisfaction; it is a powerful determinant of health, longevity, productivity, and quality of life,” she added.
Mahmoud reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration, under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to improving access to quality healthcare and strengthening systems that support the wellbeing of residents.
Also speaking, the National President of the Dietitians Association of Nigeria, Prof. Olivia Afam-Anene, who was represented by Prof. Ogechi Nzeagwu, called for stronger collaboration, innovation and sustainability in dietetics practice to address Nigeria’s growing nutrition and health challenges.
She said evidence-based practice, technological advancement and strategic partnerships with government, development partners and other stakeholders are essential to tackling poor nutrition, which continues to contribute to disability, reduced productivity, rising healthcare costs and slower national development.
