Sokoto, Nigeria – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed deep concern over the theft and illicit sale of nutrition supplements intended for malnourished children in various communities in Sokoto State. The organization revealed that these essential items, provided by donors and distributed to healthcare centers, are being stolen and sold in local markets.
During the quarterly policymakers’ meeting held on Wednesday in Sokoto, Mr. Micheal Juma, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office for Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, voiced the organization’s alarm over the situation. Represented by Mr. Abraham Mahama, Juma highlighted the severity of the issue, emphasizing that the supplements are critical for enhancing the lives of malnourished children in the region.
UNICEF’s investigations uncovered that some individuals within the distribution system were colluding with traders to sell the supplements. It was discovered that cartons of the nutrition supplements had been replaced with stones and other objects, a tactic used by those involved in the theft to conceal their activities.
Juma called on community members and healthcare stakeholders to increase their vigilance to prevent the diversion of these vital resources. He also urged the Sokoto State Government to take decisive action by appointing a State Statistician-General. This role, he emphasized, is crucial for improving data collection, management, and dissemination, which are essential for addressing the state’s healthcare challenges.
UNICEF’s concerns extend beyond the theft of supplements. The organization pointed out that many key healthcare indicators in Sokoto State show alarmingly poor outcomes. These include antenatal care, immunization rates, mortality rates, healthcare-seeking behaviors, and social behavioral change. Additionally, the state faces significant challenges in healthcare infrastructure, power and water supply, the competence of healthcare workers, and the trust between clients and service providers.
Mr. Isa Ibrahim, UNICEF’s Social Protection Specialist, further underscored these concerns during his presentation on the state’s 2024 budget performance. He noted that the nutrition sector, critical for the well-being of children, received zero allocation. Ibrahim reiterated the importance of appointing a Statistician-General to ensure effective data management and accessibility, which is currently a major gap in the state’s governance.
In response, Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Gobir, assured that the government would fully support the activities of donor agencies. He acknowledged the need for government officials to address the identified shortcomings and improve service delivery.
Alhaji Balarabe Kadadi, the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, also emphasized the importance of collaboration with UNICEF and other donors. He noted that such partnerships are vital for addressing the state’s challenges and ensuring that budget allocations lead to meaningful improvements in citizens’ lives.
The meeting, organized by UNICEF in collaboration with the Sokoto State Government, provided a platform for discussing the state’s progress, challenges, and the necessary steps to overcome these issues to enhance the well-being of children in Sokoto.