Bauchi State Govt reaffirms commitment to ensure Accountability and, adequate Funding towards preventing Malnutrition

By. Uzairu Dauda Bunga

The Bauchi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective supervision in the distribution and use of nutrition commodities across the state.
The Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, made this known during the inception meeting on preventing malnutrition in the first 1,000 days of life, held in Bauchi.
Dr. Dambam stated that government is exploring partnerships with foreign experts to establish a pharmaceutical company in the state, that would produce nutrition commodities and essential medicines, thereby making it the first of its kind in the Northeast region.
He revealed that the state goverment had released ₦300 million Naira as nutrition matching grant in 2025, which has been increased to ₦500 million Naira in 2026.
He also warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found diverting nutrition supplies meant for children.
The commissioner called on Deputy Chairmen, who serve as Nutrition Committee heads in their respective local government areas, to ensure that the commodities reach the intended beneficiaries in order to combat child malnutrition effectively.
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Nutrition Specialist Mrs Philomena Irene, who represented the Chief of Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, expressed concern over the state’s health indices, where preventable diseases continue to claim the lives of children within their first 1,000 days.
She acknowledged the state government’s efforts in procuring essential nutrition commodities such as Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food,, but stressed that more efforts must be put in place for effective service delivery.
She commended the Bauchi State Government for approving six months of maternity leave, which she described as a vital step toward improving child health and nutrition.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Muhammad, stressed that there is no justification for any child

to suffer from poor health.
Dr. Muhammad noted that ensuring healthy outcomes during the first 1,000 days of life requires a comprehensive approach, including antenatal care, hospital delivery, full immunization, proper diet, and a clean environment.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of Nutrition International Mrs. Asabe Emmanuel Lekkot praised UNICEF for organizing the meeting, describing it as a critical step toward saving children’s lives.
She emphasized that Nigeria’s future depends on raising healthy, well-nourished, and educated children, noting that the first 1,000 days are crucial for achieving this goal.
On his part ,the Bauchi State Executive Chairman Drugs Consumables Management Agency, Pharmacist Abdulkadir Ahmad, assured stakeholders that proper handling and storage of nutrition commodities would be prioritized to maintain their quality and effectiveness.