UNICEF urges states to increase funding for nutrition amid growing stunting in the South West

The United Nations Children’s Fund has called on southwestern state governments to increase national investment in nutrition programs to address rising cases of child stunting and poor developmental outcomes.

The call was made during a one-day regional workshop on operationalization of the Integrated Multisectoral Nutrition Intervention and Initiative N-774, held in Ibadan.

The workshop, organized by the Oyo State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with UNICEF, brought together key government officials and stakeholders from Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo to strengthen regional collaboration on nutrition financing and implementation.

Speaking at the event, Muhammad Okorie, UNICEF Program Manager at the Lagos Field Office, described nutrition as a key child rights issue, with significant implications for human capital development.

It warned that poor nutrition, particularly in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, could result in irreversible cognitive damage and reduced productivity in adulthood.

Okorie identified stunting as a major concern in the region, noting that it continues to undermine children’s intellectual capacity and long-term growth.

He explained that the federal government’s N-774 initiative provides a coordinated framework to improve planning, budgeting and accountability at the federal, state and local levels.

The UNICEF official also highlighted the Child Nutrition Fund as a strategic financing mechanism that allows States to access matching subsidies for nutritional products.

According to him, states that pledge $100 million can receive up to $200 million in return from UNICEF.

He noted that Oyo State has already benefited from the initiative, with funds deployed for the procurement and distribution of essential nutritional commodities, urging other States to prioritize similar investments.

“The financing environment is not guaranteed forever. States must increase domestic investment. The cost of inaction is much greater,” he said.

In her remarks, Dr. Folasade Adeyemo, Chairman of Egbeda Local Government Area and Representative of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Ogun State, said nutrition remains central to health, education and productivity.

“Without proper nutrition there will be no meaningful development. It is a multi-sectoral issue that needs to be addressed head-on,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security in Oyo State, Dr. Abiodun Babalola, linked improved nutrition to economic growth and human capital development, calling for continued collaboration with development partners.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Tunde Ayanleke, represented by Commissioner Seun Ashamu, described the workshop as timely, stressing that malnutrition, especially stunting and micronutrient deficiencies, remain a major development challenge.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting investment in nutrition programs, including the Child Nutrition Fund, while strengthening partnerships to improve outcomes.

Ayanleke added that the workshop will improve coordination among States and produce actionable roadmaps aimed at improving nutrition financing and implementation in the South West.

He urged participants to ensure that discussions translate into concrete policy actions that can accelerate progress in combating malnutrition in the region.

‘

Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE