A literature review was carried out on malnutrition in Nigerian children. Malnutrition is a major public health problem and is one of the major causes of child morbidity and mortality in many developing countries. From this research it can be seen that the prevalence of malnutrition is quite high in Nigeria and its occurrence is due to the combination of many different factors. The effects of malnutrition on child health and other life aspects was also discussed and that it can be prevented if the right interventions or strategies are put into place.