Niger State First Lady Urges Local Government Chairmen to Prioritize Nutrition in Budget Planning
The wife of Niger State Governor, Hajia Fatima Mohammed Bago, has called on local government area Chairmen to allocate priority to nutrition in their budgetary considerations to enhance food security and nutritional outcomes across the state.
She conveyed this appeal during the 1st Quarter 2026 Joint State and Local Committees on Food and Nutrition review meeting held in Minna, emphasizing that “Malnutrition has impeded the progress of our state, particularly affecting women and children.”
She urged Chairmen and vice chairpersons of the 25 LGAs to adopt a committed, innovative, and action-oriented approach toward nutrition.
“It is crucial to go beyond policies on paper and focus on tangible impacts. My vision is for a Niger State where no child goes to bed hungry, every mother is empowered with knowledge and resources to provide nutritious meals, and food security becomes a universal reality,” she stated.
During her presentation, Sunday Okoronkwo, Executive Secretary of Civil Society – Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CSSUNN), highlighted that malnutrition remains the principal cause of mortality among children under five in Nigeria, with 75 percent of children affected by anemia in Niger State.
In her opening remarks, Hajia Aisha Usman, Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Planning Commission, appealed to the First Lady to advocate for the Governor’s approval and release of funds dedicated to nutrition initiatives.
She emphasized the importance of allocating resources toward the future of children, noting that the Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) for 2024 is available and urgently needs distribution.
CSSUNN State Coordinator Aisha Wakaso urged local government chairpersons to undertake deliberate, coordinated actions to significantly reduce malnutrition.
She underscored that investing in children’s health and nutrition is vital, as malnutrition affects physical growth, cognitive development, immunity, and learning capabilities, which are essential for the development of productive citizens.
