By
Aisha Mohammed
United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has identified adequate and equitable public financing for children as critical to improving their lives and securing Nigeria’s future.
The organisation says sustained investment is needed in education, healthcare, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as social and child protection.
UNICEF Chief, Bauchi Field Office, Nuzhat Rafique, stated this during a media dialogue on Public Financing for Children organised by UNICEF in Yola, with support from the Adamawa State Government.
Represented by UNICEF Education Specialist, Abdulrahman Ado, Rafique said better budgeting, timely release of funds and effective programme implementation would improve the wellbeing of children and women.
She noted that malnutrition, inadequate healthcare facilities and poor access to safe water and sanitation continue to affect families and contribute to the rising number of out-of-school children.
The UNICEF Chief, Bauchi Field Office, urged government to strengthen investment in children’s rights and called on journalists to engage political actors on child-friendly budgets ahead of the 2027 elections.
Journalists at the dialogue called on the Adamawa State Government to prioritize children in the State budget through increased investment in education, healthcare, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, child and social protection.
They also pledged to hold political actors accountable and ensure that issues affecting children are reflected in their 2027 campaign promises and agendas.
