The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged Jigawa State to adopt child-sensitive budgeting practices aimed at improving the wellbeing and development of more than 1.5 million children.
This appeal came from Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief of UNICEF’s Field Office in Kano, during a Media Dialogue focused on Child Sensitive Budgeting and Planning.
He acknowledged that Jigawa has made some strides in advancing child welfare.
Still, he pointed out that “available data shows that Jigawa State has one of the highest under-five mortality rates in Nigeria, estimated at 127 deaths per 1,000 live births. This means approximately 1 in 8 children born in Jigawa do not live to see their fifth birthday.”
Mr. Farah further highlighted that “55.6% of children under five in Jigawa are stunted. This not only affects their physical growth but irreparably damaged their cognitive development, limiting their future potential and trapping families in cycles of poverty.
“Only 5% of children under two receive a minimum acceptable diet.
While access to primary education has improved, learning outcomes remain a major concern. Many children who are in school are not acquiring foundational literacy and numeracy skills crucial for their future.
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“For instance, only 2% of primary school learners in Jigawa State have foundational reading skills while less than 1% have numeracy skills.
“Also, children continue to face risks, including child labour and early marriage. Robust systems for child protection require sustained investment to be effective.”
He explained that child-sensitive budgeting means “planning, allocating, releasing, spending, and tracking public resources to ensure they effectively and equitably meet children’s specific needs and uphold their rights.”
The State Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Babangida Umar Gantsa, acknowledged the scale of challenges children face across Nigeria due to “multidimensional poverty and childhood hardships, which have lifelong consequences.”
He maintained that Jigawa State is committed to safeguarding children’s rights and has been taking active steps in that direction.