By Kemi Akintokun
The Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF) has commended the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) on the unveiling of National Guidelines on Public Procurement of Food and Related Services.
The foundation described the guidelines as a landmark policy that would improve nutrition standards and strengthen disease prevention across Nigeria’s public institutions.
The Executive Director of NHF, Dr Kingsley Akinroye, gave the commendation in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.
NAN reports that the Federal Government on Monday in Abuja unveiled the National Guidelines for Public Procurement of Food and Related Services.
The framework introduces nutrition standards for food purchased with public funds as part of efforts to reduce unhealthy diets and curb the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the country
Akinroye, a Cardiologist, congratulated the BPP, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) for developing the national guidelines.
He described the release of the document as a remarkable milestone that had been long awaited by stakeholders in public health and nutrition.
“On behalf of the Nigerian Heart Foundation, I extend our warmest congratulations to the leadership of the Bureau of Public Procurement, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Resolve to Save Lives.
“The emergence of the National Guidelines on Public Procurement of Food and Related Services is a remarkable milestone that has been long awaited.
“The release of the Guidelines marks a significant step towards improving the food environment within Nigeria’s public institutions,” he said.
Akinroye said the guidelines also reflected a collective commitment to promoting healthy nutrition through evidence-based standards governing food procurement, preparation, service and sale in public institutions.
He said the initiative would support healthier food environments capable of reducing diet-related illnesses and improving national productivity.
“It demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring that the procurement, preparation, service and sale of food align with scientific evidence-based nutrition standards that promote health and prevent diseases.
“The increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, is closely linked to unhealthy dietary practices.
“The emergence of these guidelines, therefore, represents a timely and transformative response to this gap,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria has lacked a comprehensive national framework for healthy public food procurement despite similar policies existing in many countries.
He said the new guidelines would help bridge that policy gap and strengthen institutional nutrition practices nationwide.
The NHF executive director said food quality in schools, hospitals, correctional centres and other public institutions directly influenced the health and wellbeing of millions of Nigerians.
He said healthy food environments were critical to reducing hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and other nutrition-related conditions.
“At the Nigerian Heart Foundation, we firmly believe that the quality of food served in schools, hospitals, correctional centres and other public institutions has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of millions of Nigerians.
“They also foster a healthier and more productive population,” he added.
Akinroye recalled the position of the President of the Nigerian Heart Foundation, Prof. James Odia, on healthy living.
He quoted Odia as saying, “A healthy heart is the beginning of a healthy life.”
According to him, the statement underscores the importance of prioritising healthy nutrition as a cornerstone of national development and disease prevention.
Akinroye reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting implementation of the guidelines through advocacy, technical collaboration, public awareness and strategic partnerships.
“The Nigerian Heart Foundation remains committed to supporting the implementation of these guidelines through advocacy, technical collaboration, public awareness, and partnerships.
“These efforts will ensure healthier food choices become the standard across our public institutions.
“We are confident that the successful implementation of these Guidelines will contribute significantly to improving the nation’s health outcomes and advancing a healthier future for all Nigerians,”he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Vivian Ihechu