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By Merit Ibe
Stakeholders at the 2026 Nestlé for Good Summit have called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners, private organisations and local communities to build resilient food systems and improve nutrition outcomes across all stages of life in Nigeria.
The summit, held in Lagos with the theme, “Nutrition Across the Life Stages: Closing Nutrition Gaps Through a Coordinated Approach,” focused on tackling the country’s growing nutrition challenges and strengthening food security through coordinated action. The event brought together government officials, healthcare professionals, development partners, academics, industry leaders, civil society organisations and members of the media to advance practical solutions aimed at improving nutrition outcomes, strengthening communities and supporting sustainable food systems. Against the backdrop of evolving nutrition, public health and food system challenges in Nigeria, participants explored pathways for improving nutrition across different life stages, strengthening local food systems and building more resilient communities.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing interconnected issues involving nutrition, livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria PLC, Wassim Elhusseini, said the summit reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to creating shared value.
“At Nestlé, we are guided by a simple but powerful purpose: to unlock the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. Delivering good food consistently and at scale depends on strong systems across the value chain — from responsible sourcing and manufacturing to distribution, livelihoods, capability development and environmental sustainability,” he said.
Elhusseini added that the Nestlé for Good platform provides a more connected expression of the company’s impact across nutrition, thriving communities and environmental sustainability.
In her keynote address, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem, commended Nestlé Nigeria for convening stakeholders around issues critical to public wellbeing and economic development.
“The conversations we are having today are not only about food. They are about human capital, productivity, public health, economic growth and ultimately, the future of our society,” she said.
She stressed the need for sustained collaboration among government, industry, development institutions and communities to deliver improved nutrition outcomes at scale.
Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, said the platform demonstrates how the company’s products, sourcing, partnerships and community investments contribute to healthier lives and stronger communities.
Also speaking, Head of Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability for Central and West Africa, Patricia Ekaba, underscored the importance of long-term, system-focused thinking.
“Sustainable progress requires looking beyond short-term interventions. Business growth and social progress are interconnected, and lasting impact comes from creating value for both the business and the communities it serves,” she said.
A major highlight of the summit was an impact showcase featuring stories of beneficiaries linked to Nestlé initiatives in women empowerment, youth capability development, dairy development and environmental sustainability. The showcase demonstrated how targeted interventions across the value chain are improving livelihoods, strengthening communities and promoting sustainable practices.
Participants also explored how Nestlé’s products and initiatives contribute to nutrition, livelihoods and sustainability across different stages of the food system.
The summit marked another step toward strengthening dialogue and partnerships aimed at delivering measurable progress in addressing Nigeria’s nutrition and development challenges, with Nestlé Nigeria reaffirming its commitment to collaborative solutions that improve quality of life at scale.
