UNICEF has called on governors in Nigeria’s Southwest and other key stakeholders to take full advantage of the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), describing it as a vital financing tool for sustaining nutrition programmes and safeguarding children’s rights.
The appeal was made by Muhammed Okorie during a sideline interview at a high-level regional meeting on integrated multisectoral nutrition programming held at Kakanfo Inn. The meeting brought together representatives from Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states.
Discussions at the event focused on implementing the N-774 Initiative and setting up Local Government Committees on Food and Nutrition to strengthen coordination, planning, and accountability across sectors.
Okorie stressed the importance of proper nutrition, especially within the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, noting that poor nutrition during this period can lead to irreversible cognitive and developmental challenges. He highlighted exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding as critical interventions, while pointing out that stunting remains a major concern in the region.
He explained that under the CNF, UNICEF matches funds allocated by state governments for nutrition commodities, effectively doubling available resources. For instance, a state that commits ₦100 million can receive an equivalent amount from UNICEF.
Okorie urged Southwest states to include the fund in their annual budgets, warning that donor support may not be permanent and that early participation is key to maximizing benefits.
He also noted variations in progress among states, with some already accessing and utilising the fund, while others are still at different implementation stages.
Speaking at the event, Babaola Abiodun emphasized the role of nutrition in human development and economic growth, highlighting the importance of legislative backing and adequate budget allocations.
Also, Tunde Ayanleke disclosed that Oyo State accessed ₦235 million in counterpart funding last year through the CNF, with plans to increase its allocation to ₦300 million this year to attract a matching grant and expand access to nutrition commodities.
According to him, ongoing interventions have already reduced stunting rates in the state, with expectations of further improvement.
Stakeholders at the meeting called for stronger collaboration across sectors such as health, agriculture, education, and social protection, while local government leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the initiative and ensuring its successful implementation across communities.
