The Nigerian government has been urged to develop a viable and sustainable nutrition policy to forestall against a major health crisis in the country.

Making the call in the face of rising food insecurity in the country following attacks on farmers in many parts of Nigeria especially in the Northern region by Boko Haram terrorists and armed bandits, nutritionist and weight-loss expert, Azeezat Oluwakemi Sule, said it was important for the government to implement an acceptable nutrition policy to save lives and improve the environment.

Pushing for a review of the country’s education policy, syllabus and curriculum to accommodate the study of nutrition as a critical subject matter right from pre-school to tertiary institutions, Sule said that such a move would help improve public understanding of the importance of good food in the health of individuals in the society. She said, “Such policies will support issues that have been seen to spur the consumption of some foods over another, such as giving economic incentives like a reduced tax on healthy foods and increased tax on junk foods and sodas.

“Marketing limits can also be placed on some foods as most foods being advertised now are the multi processed foods and sugar. Other policies to limit food marketing to children include curbing advertising and marketing of less healthful foods and beverages, encouraging exercises and healthy eating.” Sahara Reporters News