Shettima Returns from Ethiopia After Nutrition, Food Security Talks

 

By Atlantic Reports

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for Abuja following his participation in the Nigeria–Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange Forum, where officials from both countries examined strategies for improving nutrition, food security and agricultural development.

The three-day forum, held from October 7 to 9, 2026, under the theme “Moving the Needle on Nutrition”, brought together policymakers and development stakeholders to exchange experiences on tackling malnutrition and strengthening food systems.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Vice President's media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima led a Nigerian delegation comprising state governors, ministers and other stakeholders.

The delegation participated in discussions and field visits focusing on nutrition, agriculture, early childhood development, technology, financing and the delivery of public services at subnational levels.

The engagement was intended to identify practical approaches Nigeria could adapt to improve nutrition outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Nigeria, Ethiopia Explore Solutions to Malnutrition

Nkwocha explained that the forum provided an opportunity for Nigeria and Ethiopia to exchange knowledge on nutrition programmes, agricultural value chains and implementation strategies.

The discussions placed particular emphasis on translating national policies into interventions that reach states, local governments and communities.

This focus is significant because improvements in nutrition depend on more than food production alone.

Household income, access to healthcare, maternal and child health services, clean water, sanitation and education also influence nutritional outcomes.

For children, inadequate nutrition can affect physical growth, learning and long-term development.

Pregnant women, nursing mothers and low-income households may face additional nutritional risks when nutritious food is unaffordable or difficult to access.

The exchange therefore highlighted the need for coordinated policies connecting agriculture, healthcare and social protection.

However, the statement did not provide details of specific nutrition programmes Nigeria had agreed to adopt following the visit.

Focus on Early Childhood Development and Agricultural Financing

The Nigerian delegation also examined the relationship between agricultural productivity and improved nutrition.

According to Nkwocha, the discussions covered agricultural development, technology and financing, alongside early childhood interventions.

Strengthening agricultural value chains can support nutrition by improving the production, storage, processing and distribution of food.

However, greater agricultural output does not automatically guarantee that households can afford balanced diets.

Effective nutrition policies must also address food accessibility, dietary diversity and the needs of vulnerable groups.

The forum's attention to financing and subnational implementation suggests an emphasis on how governments can move from policy commitments to practical delivery.

State and local government institutions are particularly important because they oversee or support services that directly affect households, including primary healthcare, agricultural extension and community development.

The effectiveness of any lessons drawn from Ethiopia will depend on whether Nigeria establishes clear implementation plans, funding arrangements and measurable targets.

Shettima Meets Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister

Beyond the nutrition forum, Shettima held a bilateral meeting with Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister, Temesgen Tiruneh.

Nkwocha said the two leaders reviewed relations between Nigeria and Ethiopia and discussed opportunities to expand cooperation.

“During the visit, Shettima held a bilateral meeting with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Temesgen Tiruneh, where both leaders reviewed bilateral relations,” he stated.

According to the media aide, the discussions covered agriculture, trade, investment, food security, aviation and other areas of mutual interest.

The meeting reflected the broader economic and diplomatic relationship between the two African countries.

Agricultural cooperation could provide opportunities for exchanging technical knowledge, strengthening food production systems and exploring investment partnerships.

Similarly, cooperation in trade and aviation could support commercial connections between businesses and institutions.

However, the statement did not identify any agreements signed, specific investment commitments or implementation timelines arising from the bilateral meeting.

The discussions should therefore be understood as diplomatic engagement rather than confirmation of new projects or funding.

Vice President Calls for Stronger African Cooperation

Shettima emphasised the importance of African countries learning from one another when addressing shared development challenges.

According to Nkwocha, the Vice President encouraged cooperation that draws on practical experiences and locally relevant solutions.

Nigeria and Ethiopia face development priorities involving agricultural transformation, food security, population growth and access to essential services.

Although their institutional arrangements and economic circumstances differ, exchanging policy experiences can help identify approaches worth examining.

The value of such exchanges, however, depends on whether lessons are adapted to local conditions rather than adopted without considering differences in infrastructure, financing and public service capacity.

For Nigeria, this means ensuring that any proposed nutrition initiatives respond to the needs of communities across different regions.

What the Visit Could Mean for Nigerian Communities

Nutrition remains closely connected to household welfare, agricultural livelihoods and the quality of public services.

In rural communities, families may depend heavily on seasonal agricultural production, making their food security vulnerable to climate variability, insecurity and market disruptions.

Urban households can also face nutritional difficulties when food prices rise faster than incomes.

Policies intended to improve nutrition must therefore consider both the availability and affordability of nutritious food.

Community healthcare services also play an important role in identifying malnutrition, supporting maternal health and providing nutritional guidance for infants and young children.

If lessons from the Nigeria–Ethiopia exchange are translated into effective programmes, they could help strengthen coordination between agricultural interventions and healthcare services.

However, the statement did not indicate which Nigerian states would participate in follow-up activities or how communities would benefit directly from the engagement.

These details will be important in assessing the visit's eventual impact.

Attention Turns to Implementation

The conclusion of the Nigeria–Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange Forum marks the end of the diplomatic visit, but the more consequential work will involve applying any relevant lessons.

The Federal Government has not yet announced specific implementation commitments, additional budgetary allocations or performance indicators resulting from the forum.

For meaningful progress, nutrition initiatives will require cooperation among federal ministries, state governments, local authorities, healthcare providers, agricultural institutions and development partners.

Monitoring will also be necessary to establish whether interventions improve access to nutritious food and essential services.

Shettima's visit has provided an opportunity for dialogue and the exchange of policy experiences between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

Its lasting significance will depend on whether that engagement leads to practical, adequately funded interventions that improve nutrition, strengthen agricultural livelihoods and support healthier communities.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.