Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for constructive action rather than protests, recognizing the challenges Nigerians face due to recent economic reforms, especially the removal of fuel subsidies.

At a high-level meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima revealed the federal government’s involvement in the Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg) Project. This global health initiative, in partnership with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), aims to address malnutrition and food insecurity. The announcement was confirmed by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha.

Shettima commented, “This is the time for us to solve our problems, not to protest. The right to protest is guaranteed in most democracies around the world, but when you can start the agitation, and you don’t know where it will end, it is a road to anarchy. We appreciate what Nigerians are going through, and our heart goes out to them. The oil subsidy has been an albatross on our neck for 50 years. Once the harvests start coming, we believe it will have a positive effect on the common man. I wish to call on you to advocate for diplomacy, engagement, and patience. The President is very much committed to the Nigerian project but it’s like a percolation project. When a woman is giving birth, it’s a very painful process but once the child is delivered, it is a cause for celebration.”

Shettima also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Nutrition 774 Initiative, stating that “catalytic initiatives like the Nutrition 774 Initiative are meticulously designed to incentivize positive changes across our communities.” The GCNg Project, in collaboration with the NSN, aims to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in tackling public health and food system challenges.

He urged the Nutrition Society of Nigeria to “push the boundaries of innovation and deepen your collaboration with the government and other stakeholders,” highlighting the importance of integrating advancements into low-resource settings.

Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, leader of the NSN delegation, appealed to Shettima to lead the government’s component of the project and secure ministerial support. Abubakar said, “We were able to key into the global Grand Challenges project, which is largely funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. We want the government to own this project and identify the partner agency or ministry that will sign the MoU.

Senior Programmes Manager for Grand Challenges Nigeria, Godwin Bamsa, provided insight into the initiative’s global impact, noting that since 2003, the Gates Foundation has invested over $1.6 billion in health and innovation projects across 118 countries.

Bamsa remarked, “The Grand Challenges project represents a transformative approach to solving critical health and nutrition issues in Nigeria. Our goal is to empower communities to take ownership of these solutions, ensuring sustainable impact across Nigeria. With the government’s partnership, we have the potential to revolutionize not just Nigeria’s health and food systems, but agriculture, science and technology, innovation, and other key sectors.”

The NSN delegation included NSN President Professor Wasiu Afolabi; NSN Board of Trustees Member Professor Ignatius Onimawo; immediate past President of NSN Dr. Bartholomew Brai; NSN Vice President North Dr. Aliyu Maimuna Ladidi; Chairperson of the NSN FCT Abuja Chapter Major Edith Ogheneovo Nwachinaemere (Rtd); and NSN Council Member Dr. Salihu Maiwada Abubakar.