The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has pledged to scale up its support for Kebbi State following the government’s approval of ₦761 million as counterpart funding to strengthen child nutrition and other social services.
UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed-Abdelatef on Tuesday, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Deputy Governor Abubakar Umar-Tafida in Birnin Kebbi, said the state’s action would unlock matching resources under the agency’s Child Nutrition Fund.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the initiative doubles state contributions, ensuring wider access to nutrition supplies and other interventions for vulnerable children.
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With the funding commitment, Kebbi is expected to boost efforts in tackling child malnutrition, improving immunisation coverage, and expanding access to safe water and education.
UNICEF also acknowledged the state government’s efforts to cushion the impact of floods and insecurity on communities.
The organisation further noted Kebbi’s achievements in expanding healthcare access through its social insurance scheme, which currently covers more than 10,000 vulnerable residents.
In response, Mr Umar-Tafida reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to prioritise health, education, and social welfare programmes, stressing that Governor Nasir Idris’ government would continue to partner with UNICEF and other development agencies to improve opportunities for children and the most disadvantaged groups in society.
