Jigawa State Makes Landmark Commitment to Nutrition
By:Femi Mustapha
Jigawa State has announced a groundbreaking commitment to dedicate at least one percent of its annual budget to nutrition from 2026, a move that would be a game-changer in the fight against malnutrition.
The declaration was made during a high-level meeting on “Improving Nutrition through Local Government Committees on Food and Nutrition,” organized by the Jigawa State Government in partnership with UNICEF held in Kaduna.
Speaking at the engagement the Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition, Jigawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Mas’ud Abdurrahman Naruwa, described the commitment as “a promise to the next generation.”
He emphasized that nutrition is not just a health issue but also an economic driver, noting that healthy children grow into productive citizens who can drive the state forward.
The state government has already taken significant steps towards achieving this goal, with N4.7 billion allocated for nutrition in 2025. Hon. Naruwa stated that each member of the House of Assembly has contributed N10 million to support nutrition in their constituencies, totaling N300 million in 2025.
Chairman of ALGON and head of the state’s Local Government system, Hon. Sibu Abdullahi, stressed that local governments are ready to complement state-level actions through community-driven programs.
He praised Governor Umar A. Namadi for prioritizing health and pushing nutrition to the forefront.
Nutrition Manager for UNICEF at the Kano Field Office, Dr. Karanveer Singh, warned of the urgent need for collective action, given the alarming rates of child malnutrition in northern Nigeria.
He emphasized that investing in nutrition is critical for the state’s economic future and that UNICEF is proud to stand with Jigawa in this bold step.
Hon. Abdullahi declared that every local government will dedicate 1% of its budget to nutrition from 2026, a move that will reach every ward, every family, and every child in Jigawa State.
This commitment is expected to have a significant impact on the fight against malnutrition and improve the health and well-being of children in the state.
