In a bold response to the malnutrition crisis in the state of Sokoto, a high -level delegation of UNICEF, the European Union (EU), Médecins Sin Frontières (MSF) and the federal government arrived on Saturday to advocate for urgent intervention and greater financing.
Directed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Relief of Poverty, Professor Nantewa Yilwatda, the mission aims to galvanize support to address the alarming increase in severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in the State, which has reached critical levels according to the latest Smart Nutrion survey.
In a courtesy visit to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, the representative of the UNICEF country recognized Sokoto’s commitment, particularly the assignment of ₦ 500 million to combat the malnutrition crisis in Sokoto.
In an association demonstration, UNICEF promised ₦ 1.5 billion to counteract, but emphasized the urgency of adopting local and sustainable strategies.
The European Union ambassador to Nigeria and Ecowas, Gautier Mignot, also praised the efforts of the State and reiterated EU resolution to support vulnerable children, especially those who face potentially deadly malnutrition.
Passionately speaking during the visit, Minister Yilwatda recalled his own children’s experience as an internal displaced person (IDP), stating that malnutrition and insecurity are closely linked.
“There can be no food security without peace,” he said, urging the State to take advantage of its vast agricultural production to combat hunger. He praised collaboration between state and humanitarian partners and emphasized the need for lasting solutions rooted in local capacity.
Governor Aliyu, in turn, expressed his appreciation for development partners and promised the sustained political will to end malnutrition in Sokoto.
The delegation also visited the hospital of specialists of the state of Sokoto, where they witnessed firsthand that the Sam toll is assuming children and health workers.
The stabilization units backed by UNICEF and MSF are now too stretched, and fears are growing that the next season will make the situation worse.
Health officials warned that the therapeutic food supplies ready for use (RUTF), an essential treatment for malnourished children, can be exhausted in September 2025.
They requested the expansion of stabilization centers, the establishment of new centers in rural areas, as well as the immediate elimination of more than 30 RUTF containers currently stuck in Nigerian ports.
In response, the minister ordered UNICEF and partners to submit a detailed report on bottlenecks that affect the importation of RUTF. She promised to work with relevant federal agencies to ensure rapid resolution.
“This is not the time for bureaucracy. We must act quickly to save lives,” said Professor Yilwatda.
The delegation recommended the intervention of the federal government to unlock RUTF supply chains, the increase in state investment and the use of local food sources.
It also requires greater coordination between interested parties to climb nutrition services and influence the change of lasting policy.
The minister announced a monitoring meeting with key agencies and humanitarian groups to guarantee the implementation of action plans.
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