The silent battle against malnutrition in Nigeria is gaining new momentum. At the heart of this fight is the Nutrition 774 Initiative, which seeks to improve nutrition outcomes in every Local Government Area across the country.

The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP), in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President with support from UNICEF and ALGON, organized a Stakeholders Validation Workshop to review and validate the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative.

The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling malnutrition through the Nutrition 774 Initiative.

Speaking at a two-day workshop on the Review and Finalize the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the N-774 Initiative in Abuja the nation’s capital, Senator Hassan emphasized the importance of finalizing the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide implementation across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

“This is about ensuring no child or community is left behind,” he said, emphasizing that ...multi-sectoral collaboration is critical for the initiative’s success. “From health and agriculture to education and social protection, every sector must play a role to combat the malnutrition crisis stunting the nation’s future”. He said.

He reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to human capital development, with nutrition prioritized on the national agenda. “The Nutrition 774 framework aims to deliver high-impact, community-focused interventions at the grassroots level, backed by strong coordination among federal, state, and local governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector”.

He urged stakeholders to ensure transparency, strong coordination, and accountability for the initiative’s success. Ministries, legislators, and other partners were called upon to align their efforts and allocate sufficient resources to nutrition.

The Special Assistant to the Vice President on Public Health, Uju Rochas-Anwukah emphasized the critical role of nutrition in national development, describing it as the foundation for a healthier and more productive society, underscoring the need for stronger efforts to bridge nutritional gaps across Nigeria.

“The Nutrition 774 initiative is a government-led, multi-sectoral effort aimed at strengthening governance, improving financing and fostering political commitment toward nutrition across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas”. It seeks to scale up evidence-based interventions across sectors such as health, education, agriculture, social protection, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)”. She said.

Rochas-Anwukah highlighted that this approach recognizes that nutrition is a collective responsibility, not limited to one ministry or sector.

“Endorsed by the National Economic Council, Nutrition 774 is now positioned as a national priority in the administration’s agenda. A major milestone is the creation of a House Committee on Food and Nutrition at both federal and state levels to ensure sustained political commitment and legislative support for nutrition-related policies and budgets.

Recognizing Nigeria’s cultural diversity, Rochas-Anwukah stated that the initiative would be driven by local solutions tailored to the specific needs of each region. “The framework encourages ownership at the state and local government levels, using centralization mechanisms to reward progress”. She stressed that the initiative will leverage existing structures rather than create new ones to ensure faster and more sustainable results.

Rochas-Anwukah expressed gratitude to Vice President Kashim Shettima for his leadership as Chair of the National Council on Nutrition and appreciated the contributions of various ministries, development partners, donor organizations, and private sector stakeholders.

She urged all stakeholders to move from planning to action, emphasizing that the initiative is not just about protocols but about unlocking the potential of every Nigerian child and family.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Emeka Vitalis who spoke virtually emphasized the need for holistic implementation and accountability in Nigeria’s nutrition interventions, highlighting the critical role of nutrition in fostering economic resilience and achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as good health and well-being.

“The Nutrition 774 Initiative, a flagship program of the administration led by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, focuses on delivering sustainable nutrition interventions across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria”. He said.

Dr. Emeka explained that the initiative’s five-pillar structure aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes while driving the nation’s progress towards SDG 2 and SDG 3.

He also called for the development of clear guidelines and accountability mechanisms to ensure transparency and efficient service delivery at the local government level. He emphasized that collaboration with development partners, non-governmental organizations, and key stakeholders would be essential for the program’s success.

ALGON Chairmen invited were the National President, Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal who was ably represented by Hon. (Dr.) Aminu Jauro Hassan ALGON Chairman Taraba State, Hon. Iliyasu Zakari Niger State, Hon. (Prof.) Abdurrahman Salim Lawal Jigawa State, ⁠Hon. Suleman Ahmed Toungo ALGON Chairman ⁠Adamawa, Hon. (Engr.) Adikibe Ikenna Anthony ALGON Chairman ⁠Imo State, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke ALGON Chairman ⁠Abia State, Hon. (Chief) Isaiah Onoriode Esiovwa ALGON Chairman Delta State, Hon. Kolade Alabi David ALGON Chairman Lagos State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda ALGON Chairman Oyo State, Hon. Maurice Orwough ALGON Chairman Benue State and Hon. (Dr.) Uwemedimo Udo ALGON Chairman Akwa Ibom State.

The workshop aims to finalize a blueprint for action that will deliver data-driven, community-focused interventions. The Deputy Chief of Staff expressed confidence that the SOP will mark significant progress in improving nutrition outcomes across the entire 774 Local Government Area of the country.

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...SHOWCASING AGAIE/NIGER STATE POTENTIAL ON GLOBAL STAGE.

The Executive Chairman of Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State, Hon. Sayuti Ibrahim Halilu has launched a brochure showcasing the rich cultural heritage, tourism attractions, and investment opportunities in Agaie Local Government Area and Niger State.

The brochure, tagged. “Endless Opportunities”, provides a comprehensive overview of the region’s history, geographical location, culture, traditions, and investment prospects.

One of the key highlights of the brochure is the Baro Port, a river port located in Agaie Local Government, which is poised to enhance intermodal transportation connectivity in Nigeria. Sayuti emphasized the importance of international investment in the Baro Port and Agaie Local Government, citing the numerous benefits and opportunities that await investors.

In line with the New Niger agenda, spearheaded by Farmer Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago aims to transform Niger State into a thriving economic hub. Sayuti’s brochure sheds light on why Niger State is poised to become a prime investment destination, highlighting its vast potential for growth and development.

The brochure is a valuable resource for investors, tourists, and anyone interested in learning more about the rich cultural heritage and economic potential of Agaie Local Government Area and Niger State, with its rich content and insightful analysis.

In another engagement, Sayuti and his team present campaign T-shirts to city mayors worldwide, encouraging them to support Minna’s bid making it a UNESCO city of literature by the Creative Arts Foundation to be headed by BM. Dzukogi.

Finally, the team explore collaboration and partnership between the two governments as Agaie/Niger State have a historic site where Date Palms have been cultivated since 1835, and remarkably, the same trees continue to produce fruits to this day also other parts of the State. Inspired by Al Ahsa’s reputation as the world largest producer of date palms, the team aspires to replicate the success in Niger State given Niger State’s vast arable land of over 76,363 square kilometers (about 10% of Nigeria’s total land area) and also the Agricultural landmark of the Executive Governor.

A One-Day training and interactive program was organized by MCI Management Consultants tagged NNPC LIMITED STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT WITH ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OF NIGERIA (ALGON). The program is a pilot scheme which started from the North Central Zone with the following States and Chairmen in attendance: Plateau 7, Kwara 5, Niger 2, Benue 5, Kogi 21.

The program took place on the 4th of February 2025 at Royal Continental Hotel, Wuse Zone 4 with its objectives as follows:

1. Discuss the challenges of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

2. Highlight the impact on the economy, environment and communities.

3. Emphasize the need for collaboration to address these challenges.

The ALGON National President, Hon.(Engr.) Bello Lawal was ably represented by the Niger State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Iliyasu Zakari.

A groundbreaking Compact Agreement (CA) was signed on Friday, 31st January 2025, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria's efforts to enhance birth registration and legal identity. The agreement, signed by NIMC, NPC, BARNKSFORTE, ALGON, and UNICEF, aims to establish a Strategic Framework for implementing birth registration and other legal identity initiatives in local governments across Nigeria.

The signatories, including ALGON National President Hon. (Engr) Bello Lawal, Dayo Bankole of Barnksforte, Dr. Ojogun Osifo DG NPC, and Dr. Sesay Ibrahim Country Director UNICEF, demonstrated their commitment to addressing the significant challenges in birth registration in Nigeria, where only about 30% of children under the age of 5 are registered, according to UNICEF.

Key Objectives of the Agreement:

- Improve Birth Registration: Enhance the birth registration process, making it more accessible and efficient.

- Promote Legal Identity: Strengthen legal identity initiatives, ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to essential services like education and healthcare.

- Support National Development: Contribute to Nigeria's national development goals, particularly in relation to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This landmark agreement marks a significant step forward in Nigeria's efforts to strengthen birth registration and legal identity, ultimately promoting the well-being and development of its citizens.

The NAF Conference Center Kado Abuja hosted a high-level workshop, led by ALGON National President Bello Lawal, to enhance the role of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Legal Identity and Birth Registration.

This initiative brings together critical stakeholders, including the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), UNICEF, National Population Commission (NPC), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and BARNKSFORTE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.

In attendance were top ALGON executives, including Hon. Shehu Marshal, Hon. Zakari Ilyiasu ALGON Niger, Hon. Hanani Hamisu Mohammed ALGON Plateau, Hon. Lelei Tariyie Isaac, Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa ALGON Delta, Hon. Inyang Yibala Igri, Hon. Prof Abdurrahman Salim Lawal ALGON Jigawa, Jamilau Abubakar Dambatta ALGON Kano, Jamilau Abubakar Albani ALGON Kaduna, Hon. Dr Uwemedimo Udo ALGON Akwa Ibom, Hon. (Engr) Adikibe Ikenna Anthony ALGON Imo, ALGON Kwara, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi, Hon. Ojo Oluwasegun ALGON Ekiti, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke ALGON Abia, Hon. Maurice Orwough ALGON Benue, Hon. Mohammad Dahiru ALGON Kebbi, Hon. Samaila Husani ALGON Zamfara, Hon. Safiyanu Isa ALGON Nasarawa, Hon Barr. Uburu Chinedu ALGON Ebonyi, Barr. (Mrs) Evan Enekwe Ag. Director General ALGON, Mallam Nuhu Ozigi FCA DFA ALGON, Chief Dimeji Lamuren DP&R ALGON amongst others.

Notable stakeholders from partner organizations include Dr. Ibrahim Sesay, UNICEF representative, Dr. Ojogun Osifo, Director General National Population Commission, represented by Moses Agada Emmanuel, and Chidera Ike-Okonkwo, Chief Legal Officer Barnksforte Technologies Ltd., Pharm. Mohammed Mohammed Deputy Director NPHCDA among others.

The workshop aimed to promote good governance, transparency, and accountability in local governments by enhancing the capacity of LGA officers to deliver excellent services, particularly in legal identity and birth registration. Key objectives include capacity building, transparency, and accountability, as well as improved service delivery.

Expected outcomes include strengthened institutional frameworks for legal identity and birth registration in LGAs, enhanced collaboration among LGAs, national institutions, and international organizations, and improved service delivery leading to better outcomes for citizens.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance in local government areas (LGAs) through its partnership with the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) organization. This collaboration aims to enhance the capacity of the 774 LGAs officers and Area Councils in Nigeria.

In a closed-door meeting held in Abuja, ALGON National President, Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal, emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and sustainable fiscal quality in local governments. He commended PACE for initiating the programme, particularly in the area of budgeting, which has been a source of concern at the local government level.

The meeting focused on institutional assessment and local governance toolkit, championed by PACE, a governance programme funded by the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (UKFCDO). Hon. Lawal noted that ALGON has extensive partnerships with organizations providing assistance in enhancing the capacity of LGA leaders through training programmes, budgeting, and auditing.

Hon. Lawal, in his goodwill message, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting local governments by revitalizing their administrative systems alongside the NGF’s, represented by Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab. He also appreciated Mr. Tanimu Yakubu, the DG Budget Office, represented by Dr. Ado Mohammed, and the Judiciary during the strategic event.

The ALGON National President stated that the meeting’s framework and budgeting process aim to provide clear guidance on avoiding pitfalls and ensuring transparent administration by the LGA officers to deliver excellent services. He emphasized the essence of the programme, which is to ensure transparency, accountability, and sustainable fiscal quality assurance in local governments administration moving forward.

The meeting was attended by top local government leaders, EXCO members, and representatives from the Nigeria Governors Forum, PACE, and the Budget Office. The attendees included Hon. Moses Nomeh (Ebonyi), Shehu Jega Marshall (Kebbi), Dr. Aminu Jauro Hassan (Taraba), Ilyiasu Zakari (Niger), Isaiah Onoriode Esiovwa (Delta), Bukar Adamu (Yobe), Mahmoud Bamaji (Bauchi), Abubakar Abdullahi (Kwara), Abba Shehu Tambawal (Sokoto), Anani Hamisu (Plateau), Maurice Orwough (Benue), Ahmed Gangkuba (Adamawa), Akala Samuel (Nasarawa), and others.

ALGON’s management team, led by Barr. (Mrs.) Evan Enekwe, Ag. DG, Nuhu Salawu Ozigi, FCA, Lawal Ibrahim, Chief Venatus Okafor, and others, also attended the meeting. All parties agreed on the importance of domesticating the programme to ensure transparency, accountability, and sustainable fiscal quality assurance in local governments administration moving forward.

The National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal has paid tribute to sacrifices and legacy of the Fallen Heroes on the sidelines of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration in Abuja.

In a press statement issued this afternoon from his Abuja Media Office, Engr. Bello reflected on the profound impact of the Fallen Heroes, remembering the brave men and women who gave their last breath for Nigeria’s freedom in several lines of duties.

“Their hearts, once beating with hope and dreams, now lie still, but their legacy resonates in our hearts. As we celebrate them every year, the rural populace remembers them with every passing second, minute, hour, day, and night. They were instrumental to the domestic peace we are enjoying despite obvious security challenges; it is important to honour them and ask Allah to accept their shortcomings”.

Engr. Bello emphasized that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes serve as a steady reminder of the price of peace and the value of courage. He prayed that their memory would inspire Nigerians to cherish the freedom they enjoy and honor their sacrifices, while also remembering in no small measure their families.

The ALGON National President commended the selflessness and devotion of the fallen heroes to the Nigerian project, praying that their legacy will continue to inspire greatness and uphold the values they fought for. He urged Nigerians at the rural areas to stand together in honoring the sacrifices of the fallen heroes, promoting a peaceful, indivisible, and prosperous Nigeria.

The Federal Government said it concluded arrangements for the implementation of the Local Governments Proof of Address (PoA) System across the nation’s 774 Local Government Areas in a bid to boost national security, economic planning and strengthen national identity management.

Director, Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation OSGF, Segun Imohiosen who disclosed this in a statement Wednesday in Abuja said the SGF, Sen. George Akume, made the disclosure at the stakeholder’s meeting for the Activation and Implementation of the Local Government Proof of Address System.

According to him, the meeting had in attendance some key stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies MDAs, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and a representative from the German Embassy in Abuja.

The SGF, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, in the OSGF, Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri said “the PoA will provide Nigerians with a verifiable and secure address, which would form an integral part of all administrative processes in both the public and private sectors”.

According to Sen. Akume, when the initiative is fully implemented across the country, “law enforcement agencies will have a robust database of verifiable addresses of Nigerians to enable them to track and mitigate criminal activities and social vices”.

He added that it will also bring development to the LGAs in allocating resources and implementing policies, as well as reduce risk in lending, delivery services, and commerce.

Akume advised all MDAs to adopt the use of the Proof of Address certificate from the LGAs as a requirement to establish reliable and verifiable address, assuring that the Proof of Address System Initiative is an embodiment of hope, a symbol of progress, and a testament to the dedication of this administration to creating a better Nigeria for all.

Speaking earlier, the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal, represented by his Special Assistant and former Chairman, Karu LGA, Hon. Akala Samuel assured that the PoA will provide a verifiable address for Nigerians, which would lay a foundation for improved governance, planning, and service delivery, and will in turn contribute to greater security, economic prosperity, and social development across the nation.

He added that the employment of the initiative will equip agencies like the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Security Service, and other law enforcement agencies to gather accurate data for intelligence to stem insecurity at the grassroots.

In his goodwill message, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther, represented by Police Liaison Officer (CID) German Embassy, Dominik Mueller said Nigeria is on course towards the implementation of the PoA initiatives which is the same system that has been functioning well in Germany with verifiable evidence.

ALGON PARTNERS UNICEF TO STRENGTHEN BIRTH REGISTRATION CAPACITY.

Monday, December 9 2024.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other Development Partners to strengthen its birth registration capacity.

This initiative aims to promote grassroots service delivery in Local Governments and Area Councils, aligning with the capacity strengthening strategy of ALGON’s National President, Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal.

According to UNICEF Chief Child Protection Ibrahim Sesy, birth registration is crucial, with 22,977 live births occurring daily, and 957 to 1000 births every hour. This underscores the need for Local Governments to enforce the process of delivering such services strategically to the poorly informed rural population.

The forum agreed that birth registration records will help National Planning, Budgeting, Medical Science management and Disease control, economic forecasting, post-natal care, supply and drug administration.

The 2-day event will continue on tomorrow Tuesday 10th December, focusing on best practices for decentralization and localization of birth registration and legal identity.

Other ALGON delegations in attendance include the ALGON National Publicity Secretary, Hon Hamisu Anani, Hon. Aminu Jauro Hassan ALGON Taraba, Hon. Kayode Adegbayo SA Programmes and representatives from various state ALGON chapters.

This initiative is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of universal birth registration by 2030. By strengthening birth registration capacity, ALGON and its partners aim to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.

*Benefits of Birth Registration*

– Helps National Planning, Budgeting, and Medical Science management

– Enables access to essential services such as education and healthcare

– Provides legal identity and protects children’s rights

– Facilitates economic forecasting and post natal care

ALGON and its partners are committed to strengthening birth registration capacity and promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.