By Ibrahim Muhammad
The Jigawa State Government has approved the release of ₦250 million as a matching fund for the procurement of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The State Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports, and Culture, Hon. Sagir Musa Ahmad, disclosed this while briefing newsmen after the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Umar Namadi on Monday.
He said the approval reflects the state government’s strong commitment to combating child malnutrition and improving child health outcomes.
According to him, “The State Executive Council has approved the release of the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (₦250,000,000.00) as matching fund for the procurement of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in partnership with UNICEF. This approval underscores the administration’s dedication to addressing severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among children under five and ensuring that no child in the state is left behind in the fight against hunger and disease.”
Hon. Sagir added that the partnership with UNICEF will significantly enhance access to treatment for malnourished children across Jigawa State.
Governor Umar Namadi reiterated his administration’s resolve to deliver impactful health and nutrition programmes targeting vulnerable populations, particularly children, in order to reduce child mortality and improve long-term health outcomes.
He emphasized that the Jigawa State Government remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships with international organizations and development partners to promote the well-being of every child and build a healthier, more productive future for the state.
RUTF is a life-saving nutritional product used in the community-based treatment of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
Jigawa continues to face a high burden of child malnutrition, with 2024/2025 data showing that about 64% of children are stunted and 9.6% are wasted. The state has implemented several key initiatives to tackle the problem, including the Therapeutic Food Distribution (RUTF) programme, the community-based Masaki nutrition programme, and a budget policy shift toward nutrition financing.
Meanwhile, the Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Jigawa chapter, has commended the state government for releasing the ₦250 million counterpart fund to UNICEF for the procurement of RUTF.
In a statement signed by the State Coordinator, Comrade Shu’aibu Musa Kafin-Gana, CS-SUNN described the approval as a demonstration of the government’s genuine concern for children’s health and nutrition in the state.
He urged relevant stakeholders to ensure effective distribution and monitoring of the RUTF to reach the intended beneficiaries and achieve the desired goal of reducing malnutrition rates across Jigawa.
