Mobilizing Against Malnutrition in Northwest Nigeria
Photo by Enyia Linda Kaka for RET in Nigeria, © RET Germany
Article by Enyia Linda Kaka, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for RET Germany in Nigeria
ABUJA, NIGERIA – Malnutrition remains one of the most pressing challenges in Northwest Nigeria, particularly among children and pregnant women affected by conflict, climate change, and economic hardship.
In Nigeria, RET Germany has launched the CIGABA project (which means “Carry on” in Haoussa, a language spoken in West and Central Africa) to integrate vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and climate-resilient agricultural and livestock practices to improve food security and economic opportunities. Additionally, it has promoted social cohesion through conflict prevention training, life skills development, and the establishment of community mediation committees, fostering peaceful coexistence among host communities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and refugees.
On November 6, 2025, key stakeholders including the Katsina State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Dikko Umaru Radda, the Northwest Governors Forum, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) convened a high-level conference in Abuja to strengthen collective action against malnutrition in the region.
The event brought together leaders from the Vice President’s Office, UNICEF, WFP, the World Bank, EU, INGOs, civil society, and the private sector, all united under a shared commitment to improve food security and nutrition outcomes in Northwest Nigeria.
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RET Germany, represented by Country Director Mr. Rama Anthony and Nutrition Specialist Mrs. Alice Pam-Tok, participated in the conference to share insights from the CIGABA Livelihood and Food Security Project implemented in Katsina State.
RET Germany used this opportunity to highlight its integrated approach linking nutrition, livelihoods, and resilience as a sustainable model to combat food insecurity and malnutrition. The conference ended with a strong Call to Action by the Katsina State Governor, Northwest Governors, MSF, and the UN Resident Coordinator reaffirming collective commitment to scale up innovative and sustainable nutrition interventions across the region.
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