By Alex Uangbaoje
The Kaduna state government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving nutrition programs by increasing budget allocations and extending paid maternity leave from three months to six months.
This was disclosed during an advocacy visit by the National Secretariat of the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) to various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The visit, supported by UNICEF, included members of the State Nutrition Committee and media representatives.
CS-SUNN is currently implementing the UNICEF-supported project in 19 states across Nigeria, known as: “Increased Investment in Nutrition to Scale Up Quality Nutrition Services”
Speaking on behalf of the Kaduna State Government, Commissioner for Planning and Budget Commission (PBC), Mukhtar Ahmed, said the state will prioritize nutrition budget releases to ensure better health outcomes for mothers and children.
He noted that the administration has consistently demonstrated political will in supporting health and education initiatives. “The governor is fully committed to driving change in the health sector, and our MDAs will play their part in ensuring funds are made available for implementation,” he stated.
Similarly, Aisha Sadiq, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, said nutrition remains a top priority for the ministry, adding that continuous advocacy efforts would focus on securing timely cash backing.
“We are doing everything possible to improve the nutrition status of women and children in the state. The Commissioner is fully dedicated to ensuring the well-being of the most vulnerable populations,” she said.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts to address staffing challenges in the health sector, stating that once new recruitments commence, nutrition specialists will be prioritized to strengthen nutrition services across MDAs.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Murtala Dabo, outlined the state’s shift from focusing solely on food security to ensuring nutrition security. “Our strategy now goes beyond food availability; we are prioritizing the nutritional value of what people consume,” he said.
He disclosed the state’s investment in bio-fortified crops such as maize, millet, and sweet potatoes, which are enriched with essential vitamins.
“These fortified crops are more nutritious than regular ones. By ensuring they are widely available and promoted, we are working to improve the overall health of our citizens,” Dabo added.
Sadiq Mamma, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, emphasized the critical role of local governments in addressing malnutrition at the grassroots level.
He pledged to organize a meeting between CS-SUNN, the State Nutrition Committee, and all 23 local government chairmen to deepen their understanding of nutrition challenges and solutions.
Bello Jamoh, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board (KADSPHCB), revealed that efforts were underway to engage the State Assembly in creating a legal framework to institutionalize the extension of paid maternity leave from three to six months.
He also announced the creation of a dedicated nutrition department within the healthcare board to oversee and coordinate nutrition programs across MDAs.
“In a few weeks, the department will be fully operational. This is part of a broader effort to address malnutrition at its roots. We are also working with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to educate communities on how to prepare nutritious meals using locally available ingredients,” he added.
CS-SUNN State Coordinator, Jessica Bartholomew, and Planning and Budget Commission (PBC) Permanent Secretary, Bashir Muhammed, outlined their key demands during the visit, which include:
- Increasing budget releases and ensuring effective utilization for nutrition programs.
- Extending paid maternity leave from three to six months and establishing a legal framework for its enforcement.
- Creating a fully functional nutrition department within the state government.
The advocacy team commended the Kaduna State Government for its achievements over the past five years, including the allocation of N400 million to the Child Nutrition Fund in 2024.
“We appreciate the government’s strong commitment to improving nutrition, especially the governor’s dedication to translating policies into action. As we move into 2025, we need to build on this momentum and ensure sustainable progress in tackling malnutrition,” Bartholomew stated.
Kaduna State is one of the few in Nigeria with a six-month maternity leave policy, and CS-SUNN is pushing for its full legislation to ensure it becomes a lasting law.
