The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Gombe State have advocated for improving social budgeting for child-sensitive sectors in North-East Nigeria.
The duo made this known in Gombe on Wednesday when the State hosted the North-East Nigeria Zonal Policy Dialogue on Social Budgeting for Child-Sensitive Sectors.
The policy dialogue, which was organized by UNICEF, brought together commissioners, policymakers, and stakeholders from various states in the region to address the plight of children living in poverty.
In his keynote address, Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya explained the significance of the dialogue and the urgency of increased public investment in children’s welfare.
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, Governor Yahaya, said his administration is committed to advancing the State’s development, particularly by addressing the needs of its most vulnerable residents.
“Over the years, various entities have budgeted to achieve their goals, but the reality on the ground is that children are often shortchanged in these processes,” he remarked.
He emphasized the importance of social budgeting, a process that allocates resources to ensure children’s access to essential services such as education, healthcare, nutrition, and protection.
He echoed the UNICEF’s call for increased public expenditure on child-sensitive sectors and the need for dedicated budget codes for social protection.
“Children are the foundation of society. Weak foundations lead to unstable structures,” Dr. Jatau warned, urging policymakers to make children a priority in the upcoming 2025 budgets.
The event also featured discussions on the challenges facing children in the region, especially in the context of Nigeria’s estimated population of over 205.9 million, where 49.5 percent (102 million) are children.
The participants observed that poverty remains a significant barrier to their well-being, with approximately 47.4 percent of Nigerian children living below the national poverty line.
“Despite global progress in reducing poverty, many of the world’s poorest and most disadvantaged children continue to be left behind,” he stated, identifying concerns raised by international bodies about the impact of poverty on children’s health, education, and development.
The two-day dialogue, which brings together key actors from ministries of budget, education, health, agriculture, and women’s affairs, aims to forge actionable strategies for sustainable financing in the social sectors.
The governor expressed his appreciation to UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office for selecting Gombe as the host city, citing its central location within the zone. He also thanked the commissioners and stakeholders for their commitment to improving the lives of children in the region.
The dialogue seeks to advocate for domestic investment in children and system strengthening, with hopes of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, including ending preventable child deaths, ensuring quality education for all, and protecting children from violence.
“It is our responsibility as leaders to ensure that the next generation is equipped to thrive. Our actions today will define the future of our children and, ultimately, our nation,” he said.
Dr. Yusuf Auta, UNICEF Social Policy specialist, in a keynote address, pressed the need for investment in social sectors, especially education and healthcare, which directly impact the region’s vulnerable children.
“Today, we are not only here to talk but to find actionable solutions that will improve the lives of children,” Dr. Auta said.
According to him, with Nigeria’s child population surpassing 102 million, the northeast stands out as one of the most disadvantaged region.
He noted that poverty rates are alarmingly high, with 47.4 percent of Nigerian children living in households below the poverty line.
Dr. Auta stressed that without urgent intervention, this cycle of poverty will continue to stunt the growth of future generations.
The two-day event aims to generate strategies for boosting social sector financing through improved budgeting and policy reforms. “Through collaborative efforts, both state and non-state actors can ensure that children in this region are no longer left behind,” Auta said.
The participants expressed hope that the outcomes of the dialogue will lead to tangible changes in the lives of millions of children.
