UNICEF, the Federal Government and EU partners are joining forces to address the malnutrition emergency in Sokoto, pledging urgent funding and sustainable support

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched an urgent response to tackle the malnutrition emergency in Sokoto State.

Also read: Nigeria Health System Fragility Costs Economy $1.2 Billion Yearly

A high-level delegation comprising representatives from UNICEF, the European Union (EU), Médecins Sans Frontières, and federal officials arrived in Sokoto on Saturday to mobilise support and funding to address the alarming rise in Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) among children.

Leading the delegation, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof Nantewa Yilwatda, described the situation as dire, citing recent data from the Nutrition SMART survey.

During a visit to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, the UNICEF Country Representative commended Sokoto’s commitment to combating malnutrition, especially its allocation of ₦500 million to the cause.

In a show of support, UNICEF pledged a ₦1.5 billion counterpart contribution, while urging the adoption of sustainable, locally driven solutions.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, echoed this support, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children, particularly those facing life-threatening nutrition challenges.

Prof Yilwatda, sharing his personal experience as a former Internally Displaced Person (IDP), highlighted the connection between insecurity and food crises.

“There can be no food security without peace,” he stated, encouraging the state to utilise its agricultural strength to fight hunger.

He praised the ongoing collaboration between Sokoto and humanitarian partners and called for long-term strategies rooted in local capacity and resilience.

Governor Aliyu thanked the delegation and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to ending child malnutrition.

The team later visited the Sokoto State Specialist Hospital, where they witnessed the devastating impact of SAM on children and the strain it placed on health workers.

Medical officials warned that supplies of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) could be depleted by September.

They appealed for the expansion of stabilisation centres, particularly in rural communities, and the urgent release of over 30 containers of RUTF currently stuck at Nigerian ports.

“This is no time for bureaucracy. We must act fast to save lives,” the minister warned.

Also read: Lagos Mandatory Health Insurance Enforcement Begins Early 2026

The delegation recommended that the Federal Government prioritise clearing RUTF shipments, scale up local food-based interventions, and encourage states to increase their investment in nutrition programmes.