Bauchi Assembly To Probe N1bn Nutrition Fund Amid Rising Child Malnutrition

The Bauchi State House of Assembly has launched an investigation into the expenditure of over N1 billion allocated for child nutrition.

LEADERSHIP reports that this development followed concerns over the persistent rise in malnourished children despite near-total fund disbursement in previous years.

During a two-day advocacy and sensitisation meeting yesterday on budgetary appropriation for nutritional interventions, lawmakers expressed frustration over the lack of progress in tackling malnutrition.

Speaker Abubakar Y. Suleiman described the situation as “worrisome” and directed the Committee on Food and Nutrition to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that funds allocated for child nutrition translate into real impact.

“This is alarming. Despite the full release of funds in previous years, there has been no significant improvement in child nutrition. Something is wrong somewhere,” Suleiman said.

The meeting, organized by the State Committee on Food and Nutrition in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and UNICEF, highlighted the urgent need for increased transparency and efficiency in nutrition financing.

UNICEF’s Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, reaffirmed the organisation’s support for the state in combating malnutrition through technical and financial assistance.

She noted that despite efforts, severe acute malnutrition has risen by 2.9% and moderate malnutrition by 7% over the past five years, stressing the need for expanded investment in nutrition.