Sokoto Boosts Health Spending, Wins UNICEF Praise

Sokoto Boosts Health Spending, Wins UNICEF Praise

 

 

 

Sokoto State Government has received commendation from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for prioritising health and nutrition in its 2025 budget, a move hailed as a model for improving maternal and child welfare.

 

UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Wafa Saeed, made the commendation during a courtesy visit to Deputy Governor Alhaji Idris Muhammad Gobir and members of the State Executive Council.

 

Saeed applauded the state government for increasing health sector allocation from 6.5 percent in 2024 to 10 percent in 2025, and for committing N500 million to nutrition supplies—a fund UNICEF has pledged to match through its Child Nutrition Fund.

 

“This commitment to health financing is commendable. It reflects genuine care for mothers, children, and the most vulnerable,” she said, highlighting the importance of nutrition and immunisation in the first two years of life, when 75 percent of brain development occurs. She added that immunisation targets six of the ten leading causes of child mortality, reinforcing its role in securing healthier futures for children.

 

As part of its partnership with the state, UNICEF will also enrol 250,000 poor and vulnerable residents into Sokoto’s social register under the EU-SUSEE programme. Additionally, the organisation flagged off free healthcare services for 15,000 beneficiaries in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and the Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (SOCHEMA).

 

To strengthen healthcare delivery, UNICEF donated 200 tablets, 200 power banks, three laptops, and thousands of “mamakits” to support safe childbirth and immunisation efforts. Saeed further commended the state’s newborn care units for solar-powered infrastructure, clean water systems, and dedicated staff, describing them as examples of sustainable healthcare provision.

 

Deputy Governor Gobir, who received the items on behalf of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, thanked UNICEF for its continued partnership and assured the delegation of Sokoto State’s commitment to improving healthcare, nutrition, and education.

 

“A healthier population contributes significantly to community development. We will continue to work with UNICEF to advance healthcare and social welfare across Sokoto State,” he said.