The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has stressed the importance of dietetics and proper nutrition in strengthening Nigeria’s health security, improving human capital development, and tackling the growing challenge of malnutrition and diet-related diseases.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the FCT Minister of State, Austine Elemue.
Mahmoud made the remarks at the 17th Scientific Conference and National Workshop of the Dietitians Association of Nigeria (DAN), held at the Labour House, Abuja.
The conference had the theme: “The Future of Dietetics in Nigeria: Practice, Innovation and Sustainability.”
Represented by her Special Assistant on Agriculture and Rural Development, Junaidu Muhammad, the minister described the conference theme as both timely and relevant, noting that the future of healthcare in Nigeria must place greater emphasis on nutrition, preventive medicine, and the vital role of dietitians in promoting healthier communities.
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She observed that Nigeria faces a dual nutritional challenge, with persistent undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, maternal and child malnutrition, and food insecurity existing alongside a growing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and other diet-related non-communicable diseases.
“Nigeria’s nutritional landscape presents us with a double burden that requires urgent and coordinated action.
“While millions of households continue to struggle with undernutrition and food insecurity, we are also witnessing an alarming increase in obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other nutrition-related diseases.
“This calls for greater investment in nutrition, preventive healthcare and professional dietetic services,” she said.
Mahmoud noted that the role of dietitians has expanded significantly beyond traditional clinical settings, describing the profession as a critical component of disease prevention, health promotion, patient recovery, and sustainable national development.
According to her, dietitians now play multiple roles as healthcare providers, educators, researchers, and advocates whose contributions are essential to improving public health outcomes.
She further emphasised that good nutrition is fundamental to educational achievement, maternal and child health, workforce productivity, and economic growth, stressing that sustainable national development cannot be achieved without prioritising the nutritional wellbeing of citizens.
“A healthy nation is built not only through hospitals and medicines but also through proper nutrition, preventive healthcare, public awareness and deliberate investment in the wellbeing of the people.
“Food is far more than a source of satisfaction; it is a key determinant of health, longevity, productivity and quality of life,” she added.
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), to improving access to quality healthcare and strengthening systems that enhance the wellbeing of residents.
She also commended the Dietitians Association of Nigeria for creating a platform that encourages scientific exchange, mentorship, and professional dialogue, describing such initiatives as vital to building a more responsive and future-ready dietetics workforce.
Earlier, the National President of the Dietitians Association of Nigeria, Prof. Olivia Afam-Anene, represented by Prof. Ogechi Nzeagwu, called for stronger collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices to address Nigeria’s growing nutrition challenges.
She said the future of dietetics should be driven by evidence-based practice, technological innovation, and stronger partnerships involving government, development partners, and other stakeholders.
According to her, poor nutrition continues to fuel disability, reduce productivity, increase healthcare costs, and slow national development.
She added that the situation has been compounded by insecurity, population displacement, climate change, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which have worsened nutritional outcomes, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Prof..Afam-Anene reaffirmed the association’s commitment to maintaining high professional standards through accreditation, continuous professional development, and adherence to international best practices established by the International Confederation of Dietetic Associations (ICDA).
