The Federal Government has mobilised over N7.6 billion for child nutrition, delivering essential micronutrients to millions of women and children.
Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while receiving a UNICEF delegation led by Executive Director Catherine Russell at the Presidential Villa.
Shettima said the funds were mobilised through the Presidential Nutrition Intervention Fund.
He added that the administration was implementing programmes to secure the future of Nigerian children despite prevailing economic and social challenges.
The Vice President described investment in children as critical, warning that raising a generation without opportunities would be a national tragedy.
Shettima commended UNICEF for its continued partnership, describing the organisation as a dependable ally that provides expertise and practical support for child-focused programmes.
He noted that global developments increasingly affect children’s wellbeing, making sustained investment in their future even more important.
Shettima highlighted key initiatives of the administration, including the Nutrition 774 Initiative, the Renewed Hope Child Support Programme, and the Nigeria 2050 Child Foresight Analysis.
He said the Nutrition 774 Initiative would strengthen nutrition governance across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
According to him, UNICEF is supporting the 2050 Child Foresight Analysis through horizon scanning, scenario planning, and evidence-based policy recommendations.
The initiative is progressing toward subnational implementation through a multi-stakeholder technical working group.
Shettima said Generation Unlimited Nigeria aims to connect 20 million young Nigerians to livelihood opportunities by 2030.
He added that the National Human Capital Development Programme seeks to place Nigeria among the world’s top 80 countries on the Human Capital Index by 2030.
The programme focuses on investments in health, nutrition, foundational learning, and pathways to productive employment.
Shettima said the initiatives reflect President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to placing human capital at the centre of national development.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Universal Child Benefit, with 2026 designated as the Year of Family and Social Protection.
The Renewed Hope Baby Support Initiative will drive implementation. North-West governors have endorsed the programme, while Lagos State is preparing to commence implementation.
Earlier, Catherine Russell commended President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for implementing reforms that are expanding opportunities for Nigerian children.
She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through improved healthcare, financing, and social protection programmes.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, praised UNICEF’s partnership with Nigeria across critical sectors. He noted that UNICEF has procured vaccines for Nigeria and provided technical support to strengthen the country’s health institutions.
