The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Katsina State Government to increase budgetary allocations, releases, implementation, and tracking of child-focused expenditures in order to tackle malnutrition, low immunization coverage, and limited access to basic social services for children.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting and media dialogue on Child-Sensitive Budgeting and Planning in Katsina, Mr. Rahama Farah, Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, decried the declining trend in budgetary provisions for critical child-focused sectors — namely nutrition, health, education, and social protection.
“Children represent nearly half of Katsina State’s population, yet the outcomes in health, education, and nutrition remain deeply troubling,” Farah stated.
Farah cited statistics showing that:1 in 6 children dies before age five in the state.
Only 41% of children are fully immunized, leaving many exposed to preventable diseases.33.3% of primary school-aged children are out of school.
75% of children are multidimensionally poor, lacking basic social services.
Over 50% of children under five are stunted due to chronic malnutrition.
He also noted a sharp decline in budget allocations to the social sector — from 38% in 2016 to just 12% in 2020 — despite the growing population of children.
“This isn’t just a matter of charity,” he emphasized. “Investing in children’s wellbeing is the most strategic investment the state can make. It builds human capital, reduces poverty, and lays the foundation for peace and prosperity.”
Farah called on civil society organizations (CSOs) and the media to rigorously track child-specific budget lines, ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective implementation.
Also speaking at the event, AbdurRahman Abdullahi, Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Katsina, reinforced CSOs’ commitment to advocating for child-focused funding.
“Our goal is simple: to ensure every child in Katsina has access to healthcare, education, nutrition, and protection, so they can grow into responsible adults,” he said.
On its part, the Katsina State Government reaffirmed its commitment to improving child welfare.
Tijjani Umar, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Planning, highlighted recent investments in education, immunization, nutrition, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
“We recognize the urgent need for child-focused financing and will continue to collaborate with UNICEF, civil society, and the media to improve the wellbeing of children across the state,” he assured.
The dialogue concluded with a renewed call for sustained and transparent investment in children, viewed not just as a moral obligation, but a strategic imperative for Katsina State’s future development.
Reporting by Isma’il Adamu