The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for increased public financing to address critical gaps in education, health, social protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for children in Northeastern Nigeria.
The UNICEF made the call at the end of the two-day North-East States Strategic Policy Dialogue on Social Budgeting for Child-Sensitive Sectors where states from the region converged and deliberated.
The panel, which consisted of commissioners from the participating states, looked into the urgent need for enhanced budget allocations to improve conditions for the children.
UNICEF’s Education specialist, Abdulrahman Ibrahim Ado noted that data from a recent Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) revealed alarming findings about out of school children in the region.
Ado explained that the data from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Personnel Audit reveals alarming statistics which shows that Out of School Children (OOSC) rates have remained stagnant or worsened in some regions between 2016 and 2021.
He added that the situation is especially worrisome among the less privileged, rural communities and in northern Nigeria.
Another expert in Social Policy, Yusuf Auta said “a child sensitive budget is a budget that supports the education, nutrition, and health of the child”, adding that “Our commitment to these sectors will determine the future of our children. Financing is important for creating a supportive environment ensuring that no child is left behind”.
Also speaking, the UNICEF communication officer, Opeyemi Olagunju disclosed that in Gombe, UNICEF has set up an Economic Intelligent Unit under the Ministry of Budget to support the issues of children in the North eastern Nigeria.
Bauchi State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Aminu Hammayo, also noted that with the collaboration of UNICEF the state has a social protection policy which it will ensure its implementation.
Gombe State Commissioner for Education, Dr Aishatu Maigari, disclosed that the state has been practicing a gender responsive education work plan.
The participants agreed to a communique that emerged at the end of the two-day event which will be implemented to improve children’s well-being in the states.
