The Federal Government has launched the National Guidelines for Public Procurement of Food and Related Services, positioning food procurement as a powerful tool to combat malnutrition, reduce diet-related diseases, and drive national development.
Speaking at the official launch held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the initiative as a “significant governance milestone” aimed at promoting healthier food systems and improving public health outcomes across Nigeria.
Salako emphasised that public procurement must go beyond administrative compliance to serve as a strategic policy instrument capable of shaping nutrition, strengthening human capital, and stimulating economic growth.
“Every public procurement decision reflects a national priority. This guideline demonstrates how procurement can be deliberately harnessed to promote a culture of national wellness throughout the food value chain,” he said.
The minister highlighted alarming global and national nutrition statistics, noting that unhealthy diets contribute to about 7.2 million deaths annually worldwide. In Nigeria, he said, excessive consumption of sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, alongside low intake of nutritious foods, is fueling a surge in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.
He further revealed that malnutrition remains a major concern, with nearly four in ten Nigerian children under five stunted, while about two million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition each year.
“These are not just statistics; they are indicators of serious human capital challenges that affect productivity, education, and national development,” Salako stated.
According to him, the newly launched guidelines will set evidence-based standards for food procurement in public institutions, including limits on sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, while promoting balanced and nutritious diets.
He explained that government, as the largest institutional buyer of food, has the capacity to influence market trends, improve food quality, and encourage healthier consumption patterns nationwide.
“When government demands healthier and safer food, it compels the entire food system—from producers to suppliers—to align with higher standards,” he added.
Salako noted that the initiative aligns with existing national policies such as sodium reduction guidelines, trans-fat regulations, and the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality, as well as the broader Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
He reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, stressing that prevention through improved nutrition remains one of the most cost-effective strategies for reducing disease burden and healthcare costs.
The minister also called on procurement officers, institutional heads, and implementing agencies to prioritise accountability and professionalism in implementing the guidelines.
“Procurement is not merely about purchasing goods and services; it is a governance function that determines health outcomes, productivity, and public trust,” he said.
Salako urged stakeholders to move beyond the ceremonial launch and focus on effective implementation, noting that the success of the guidelines would be measured by tangible improvements in food quality and public health across institutions such as schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities.
“The true impact will be seen in healthier meals, safer food environments, and improved wellbeing of Nigerians,” he said.
The guidelines were developed through a collaborative effort involving the Bureau of Public Procurement, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, development partners, and technical experts, reflecting a whole-of-government approach to addressing nutrition and health challenges in the country.
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