The Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has called on the Niger State government to increase investment in nutrition programmes, fully implement the six-month maternity leave policy, and reduce reliance on development partners through domestic resource mobilisation.
The demand came during an advocacy visit by CS-SUNN Niger State representatives to the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency (NSPHCDA) following their state-level meeting in Abuja.
The State Coordinator, Aisha Wakaso led the delegation and expressed concern over persistent child mortality from malnutrition.
Wakaso commended the state’s ongoing efforts but stressed the urgent need for greater government ownership and sustainable financing.
She also sought updates on the release of funds for nutrition programmes and the status of the six-month maternity leave policy, while welcoming participation in upcoming World Breastfeeding Week and Maternal and Child Health Week activities.
In response, NSPHCDA Executive Director, Dr. Junaidu Inuwa reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to improving maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition outcomes.
He confirmed that the six-month maternity leave policy is already operational within the Agency and welcomed deeper collaboration with CS-SUNN and other stakeholders.
Stakeholders at the meeting, including the State Nutrition Officer and Director of Disease Control and Surveillance Dr. Samuel Jiya, emphasised the importance of indigenous resource mobilisation to ensure long-term sustainability.
They highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate nutrition into Routine Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH) activities, advocacy, supportive supervision, and capacity-building programmes.
Jiya stressed the need for stronger government leadership to sustain nutrition gains beyond donor-supported interventions.
