UNICEF Describes Poverty as Obstacle for Child Survival, Growth in Nigeria

By Adamu IMAM, Bauchi 

UNICEF Describes Poverty as Obstacle for Child Survival, Growth in Nigeria 

By Adamu IMAM Bauchi

In an effort to accelerates policy implementation on child survival growth and development in Nigeria, the United Nations Children's Fund UNICEF Bauchi Field Office (BFO) organized a two day strategic policy dialogue on social budgeting for child sensitive sectors in Northeast Nigeria.

The chief of field office Bauchi Mohammed Kamfut, in his welcome address during the gathering held at Gombe state, while addressing stakeholders he stated that Nigeria’s population is estimated at above 205.9 million, with 49.5 percent (102 million) being children aged 0-17 years, Similar to many African countries,

He further mentioned that, children in Nigeria are disproportionately affected by poverty due to the vulnerable status in society. 

This has long-term repercussions on their well-being, extending into adulthood.

Kamfut also noted, despite the global urgency to address poverty, children have often been overlooked in poverty reduction initiatives. According to the 2020 report on Multidimensional Child Poverty Analysis supported by UNICEF Nigeria, over 47 million children, or approximately 47.4 percent of Nigerian children, live in households with incomes below the national poverty line of 137,430 Naira per year (based on the 2019 exchange rate)

 "you would agree with me that this dialogue is very important to support and advocate to the Government for the well-being of children and the population at large", I believe at the end of the dialogue, we will contribute immensely to the full realization of children’s rights through, among other things, the improved budgeting and funding of child responsive interventions which will alleviate poverty which is a major barrier to realizing the rights of all children". He stressed.

The chief BFO  continue that, "I am hopeful that we will achieve many targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, including ending preventable child deaths, ensuring quality basic education for all children, and protecting children from all forms of violence if we make a concerted effort".

He further mentioned, "It is my firm belief that this dialogue would effectively secure your commitment to domestic investment for children, system strengthening, capacity building and raising awareness about the deprived status of our children living in poverty taking the actions needed by all state and non-state actors to lift children out of poverty"

He concluded with purposeful leadership and commitment, Northeastern Nigeria, given the right policies and commitment, has huge resources to ensure children grow up free from poverty, deprivation, and exclusion.