To improve its nutrition intervention initiatives, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) plans to create a separate Nutrition Department.
Mr. Ubokutom Nyah, Mandate Secretary for Economic Planning, Revenue Generation, and Public-Private Partnerships, disclosed that the establishment of the Nutrition Department had been approved by Wike during a meeting with representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, stated that in order to maintain the success, the FCTA will increase the budgeted allotment for nutrition intervention in 2025, but with restrictions on responsibility and transparency in the use of the money.
Reads Also: Wike Signs MoU With Chinese Engineering Firms For Electricity And Water Projects In FCT
The new department will be the focal point for implementing nutrition programs and will also include a Nutrition Unit across FCTA secretariats and agencies. This development aims to improve the coordination and effectiveness of nutrition-related interventions in the FCT.
According to Nyah, the lack of a dedicated nutrition department had been a major hurdle to the successful execution of previous nutrition projects, including JICA’s Capacity Development for Nutrition Improvement Project (CADNIP).
“This was the clog that was holding the success and implementation of nutrition project in the FCTA,” Nyah explained.
Read Also: One Year In Office: Wike Declares ‘Park-and-Pay’ Scheme Illegal
The Nutrition Department is expected to enhance the smooth implementation of various nutrition programs, including those driven by international partnerships like JICA’s initiatives, which have so far achieved success in improving dietary diversity and food-based nutrition improvements in rural areas of the FCT.
Dr. Udo Atang, Head of FCT Civil Service, confirmed that the approval for the establishment of the department had been forwarded to the Common Services for integration into the FCTA’s organizational structure.
Atang noted that recommendations for the appointment of the department head and staff would soon be submitted to the minister for approval.
