Efforts to curb the alarming surge in severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among children in Sokoto State have received a boost, as the state government commits N500 million to address the crisis.
Governor Ahmad Aliyu made this disclosure during a high-level advocacy visit led by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Professor Nantewa Yilwatda. The visit, which brought together key stakeholders in health and development, focused on strengthening strategies to fight malnutrition across the north-western state.
Aliyu, represented by his Director-General of Media and Publicity, Abubakar Bawa, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to enhancing the state’s healthcare system, particularly in rural communities where malnutrition cases remain most severe.
“We are dedicating five hundred million naira to intensify our response to the growing rate of acute malnutrition, especially among under-five children,” the governor stated. “This intervention aligns with our broader goal of improving access to primary healthcare services and ensuring that no child is left behind.”
The governor also extended appreciation to development partners, especially the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), for their continued support. “We sincerely thank UNICEF for standing by Sokoto over the years, particularly in health and education,” he said.
During the visit, Minister Yilwatda applauded the state government for its proactive steps but stressed that more effort is required from all tiers of government.
“Severe acute malnutrition is not just a humanitarian crisis—it is a threat to our national development,” she remarked. “Federal and state authorities must increase budgetary commitments and work together to scale up locally produced nutrition solutions. Sokoto’s grain production capacity presents an opportunity to lead in this direction.”
Yilwatda urged Sokoto State to tap into indigenous resources and community-based approaches for sustainable nutritional interventions.
Also present was the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, who reaffirmed the EU’s support for vulnerable children in Sokoto and across Nigeria.
“We commend the Sokoto government for its hospitality and resilience. The European Union remains committed to working with partners to tackle malnutrition at the root,” the ambassador stated.
UNICEF’s Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, described the current nutrition situation in Sokoto as “deeply concerning,” referencing findings from a recent SMART (Standardised Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transitions) survey.
“Our survey shows significant spikes in severe acute malnutrition cases. In response, UNICEF has already contributed N1.5 billion in counterpart funding to support Sokoto State’s ongoing response,” Munduate said.
She added that prioritising locally sourced nutrition strategies will be crucial in building a long-term solution to the crisis.
The delegation also visited a malnutrition treatment centre in the state capital, where Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and UNICEF health workers are providing lifesaving care to affected children. Deputy Governor Idris Mohammed accompanied the delegation as they observed treatment protocols and interacted with caregivers and medical staff.
The latest intervention comes amid broader national concerns about child malnutrition, particularly in northern Nigeria. UNICEF estimates that over 2 million Nigerian children suffer from SAM annually, with fewer than 20% receiving adequate treatment.
Public health experts have warned that without urgent, coordinated, and locally driven responses, malnutrition could further undermine the region’s development prospects.
