The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has called on the Jigawa State Government to make children the focus of its budget planning and development efforts.
This call was made by the Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, at a Media Dialogue on Child-Sensitive Budgeting and Planning, held at the Manpower Development Institute in Dutse.
Mr. Farah described the situation of children in Jigawa as alarming.
He said the state records one of the highest under-five mortality rates in Nigeria, with 127 deaths per 1,000 live births.
“Over half of children under five are stunted due to malnutrition, and only five percent of children under two receive an adequate diet”.
On education, he noted that while more children are now in school, most are not learning.
According to him, only two percent of primary school pupils in Jigawa have foundational reading skills, and less than one percent can perform basic numeracy tasks.
Mr. Farah explained that child-sensitive budgeting goes beyond allocating funds for children, It involves deliberate and targeted planning, spending, and tracking of public resources to ensure the wellbeing of children across sectors like health, education, nutrition, water, and protection.
He said investing in children is both a legal and moral responsibility, backed by Nigeria’s Child Rights Act and international commitments.
Mr. Farah added that such investments yield long-term economic benefits and help break the cycle of poverty.
UNICEF urged Jigawa to increase budget allocations to key child-focused sectors, improve transparency and accountability, and ensure better coordination among government agencies.
Mr. Farah also recommended the introduction of a “Child Budget Statement” as part of the state’s financial reporting.
He also urged state leaders to act decisively, stressing that “the future of Jigawa depends on the choices made for its children today.”
The UNICEF’s Kano Field Office therefore, called for a united effort to ensure no child in the state is left behind.
REL/USMAN MZ
