The effect of the Nigeria governors’ forum nutrition scorecard in promoting accountability and nutrition governance at the subnational level in Nigeria

This study aims to demonstrate the effects of the NGF scorecard in enhancing accountability and governance, describing the limitations of the scorecard, and highlight the lessons learned in using the scorecard for improved nutrition governance in Nigeria. The study is a mixed retrospective descriptive study that examined the effect of the NGF nutrition scorecard on subnational nutrition accountability and governance. Secondary data was obtained through a review of strategic and operational documents and the three rounds of the NGF scorecard. The study revealed a 72% increase in the states with functional committees on food and nutrition. Similarly, there was a 37% increase in states with approved multisectoral plan of action for food and nutrition, a 22% increase in states with prioritized nutrition programs, a 25% increase in states that approved six months paid maternity leave and a 66% increase in states with functional creches. The development and implementation of the nutrition scorecard has facilitated progress in improving nutrition governance and accountability at the subnational level and creating an enabling environment for the implementation of nutrition interventions.