The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Zamfara State Government, has launched the State Policy on Food and Nutrition and commissioned the State Nutrition Supplies and Commodities Warehouse in Gusau, the state capital.
In a related development, the Zamfara State Government, Federal University Gusau (FUGUS), and UNICEF have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the training of Auxiliary Social Workers in the state.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Sokoto, Mr. Michael Juma, explained that, the formulation of the policy had clearly shows that, Zamfara state government has a great sense of vision in terms of supporting every single person in the state to receive sufficient nutrition requirements.
According to him, the launching of the policy marks a significant milestone in their shared commitment to improving public health, strengthening food security, and promoting sustainable nutrition in the state.
“The policy provides a clear roadmap for reducing hunger and malnutrition in all forms, enhancing sustainable agriculture and food systems, and promoting healthy diets and dietary diversity,” Jumah said.
Mr Micheal Juma emphasized the need for inter-ministerial coordination in implementing the policy to achieve improved nutrition outcomes across the state.
“This will contribute to the achievement of universal health coverage and improved nutrition for children, women of reproductive age, and adolescents,” he noted.
While highlighting the core principles of the policy, Mr Juma stressed that, Food security rests on accessibility, availability, and utilization which he said are the guiding principles that will ensure sustainable nutrition services across Zamfara State.
He further described nutrition as a fundamental human right and called for its inclusion in state budget planning, adding that, Nutrition is a development issue that requires a viable coordination system, given its multi-sectoral nature.
Mr Micheal Juma urged the state government to ensure the facility is kept at room temperature to preserve essential medicines and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF).
“Air conditioners have already been installed, but stable electricity supply is essential for the facility’s functionality,” he said
Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Child Nutrition and Development at UNICEF Nigeria, Mrs. Nemat Hajeebhoy, expressed delight for being part of the inauguration of the newly completed Nutrition Warehouse and the launch of the Zamfara State Policy on Food and Nutrition.
She congratulated Governor Dauda Lawal for his unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing issue of malnutrition in the state.
“As you know, 1 out of every 2 children in Zamfara State is stunted, and 1 out of every 10 suffers from wasting,”
“What this means is that many of our children are not growing properly, which directly affects their ability to contribute meaningfully to the state’s human capital development.”
“So today, we are gathered not just to inaugurate this beautiful building
and the wonderful policy,
but to continue our joint journey with you
to prevent this crisis that threatens the lives of our children”
“As you are aware, Your Excellency, in February this year, His Excellency the Vice President of Nigeria launched the Nutrition 774 Initiative to combat malnutrition, and it’s a call to action for every LGA to take multi-sectoral action to address malnutrition”
“In line with this, the Zamfara State Policy on Food and Nutrition offers a comprehensive framework to support action at the local government, household, and state levels,” she said.
Looking ahead, she projected that by 2025, an estimated 250,000 children under the age of five in Zamfara could suffer from wasting if urgent measures are not taken.
“To treat and save these children, we need ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) and other nutrition commodities valued at about 19 billion naira” she said.
Mrs. Hajeebhoy disclosed that UNICEF, with support from generous international donors — including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union — is committed to supporting Zamfara in addressing this crisis.
“So far, we have secured up to ₦6 billion worth of these life-saving commodities for the state,”
In his address, Governor Dauda Lawal described the policy as a strategic framework that will guide the regulation and development of food and nutrition systems within the state’s healthcare delivery structure.
He noted that while Zamfara, like many states, faces nutritional challenges especially among children, emphasizing that, significant progress has been made, despite ongoing security issues affecting rural communities.
“This is the first time in the state’s history that we are laying the foundation to train and produce over 1,000 certified auxiliary social workers,” Governor Lawal said, referring to the newly signed MoU.
“These professionals will form a skilled, community-based response team to address issues such as child abuse, neglect, exploitation, harmful practices, and gender-based violence. They will be vital in reaching underserved communities and ensuring every child grows up in a safe and nurturing environment”
On the issue of counterpart funding, Governor Lawal assured that the funds for last year had been reserved and would be released without delay.
“If there’s any delay, it may be due to the Commissioner not following up. But I can confirm that the funds are available and will be disbursed before you leave Zamfara State,” he stated.
He further pledged an initial sum of N500 million for this year counterpart funding for nutrition-related projects.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Gusau, Professor Mu’azu Gusau who singed the MOU on behalf of the University commended the initiative.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
