The Chamber of the Borno State Assembly has begun legislative processes to criminalize the diversion and illegal sale of therapeutic foods ready for use (RUTF) and other essential nutritional products for malnourished children and vulnerable populations throughout the state.
The president of the Human Health and Services Committee of the House of Representatives of Borno, Maina Mustapha Garba, declared Thursday in Maiduguri during a commitment session with UNICEF about the N774 initiative of the federal government that the decision to criminalize the deviation of nutritional interventions to save lives was due to the growing concerns about their misuse and distribution of the black market.
He pointed out that the Assembly is concerned about RUTF reports and similar supplies that are sold in open markets, undermining government efforts and donors to combat child malnutrition. The proposed bill aims to protect the integrity of nutrition programs and ensure that vulnerable children receive the planned support.
“We cannot sit while critical humanitarian supplies aimed at saving lives and selling for profit,” he said.
The bill will impose strict sanctions for individuals or groups declared guilty of monopolizing, selling or appropriating nutritional products provided through programs funded by the Government or donors.
The Chief of the Unicef ​​Maiduguri Field Office, Mr. Joseph Senissie, welcomed the development, qualifying it as a timely step to safeguard children's health and restore responsibility within nutritional interventions.
“We are fighting to reduce malnutrition and protect vulnerable children affected by Boko Haram's insurgency. Nutrition problems must be promoted and services provided to deserving people.”
Senissie appreciated the assembly initiative, describing it as a step in the right direction.
“We cannot allow supplies to be diverted and children die because some people want to enrich themselves. The state government is serious about it and we are committed to support them.
“UNICEF and other partners, including the Primary Health Care Agency, support the bill,” he explained.
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