A high-powered delegation led by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nantewa Yilwatda, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, and top representatives of UNICEF, MSF, and ACF, arrived in Sokoto State on Saturday to kick-start a high-level advocacy mission aimed at addressing the alarming surge in cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in the state.
The visit, which began with a courtesy call on Governor Ahmad Aliyu, underscored the urgent need for increased federal and state government support, as well as strengthened collaboration with international partners to combat the deepening malnutrition crisis.
State commended, but challenges persist
Speaking during the visit, UNICEF Country Representative praised Sokoto State’s allocation of N500 million toward malnutrition response and announced a N1.5 billion counter-funding commitment from UNICEF. He emphasized the need to “leverage local solutions” in tackling the crisis, citing the findings of a recent Nutrition SMART survey that revealed a troubling increase in SAM across the state and Nigeria at large.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, also reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting malnourished and vulnerable children, thanking the state for its hospitality and collaboration.
In a deeply personal address, Prof. Yilwatda, Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, recounted his experience as an internally displaced person (IDP), stressing the need for peace and sustainable solutions. He advised Sokoto to harness its abundant agricultural resources to secure food availability for its population.
Governor Ahmad Aliyu, in response, appreciated the consistent support from UNICEF and its partners, pledging continued collaboration in improving the health and nutrition landscape of the state.
Hospital visit reveals strain on facilities
The delegation, accompanied by Deputy Governor Idris Muhammad Gobir, proceeded to the Sokoto State Specialist Hospital, where UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) are offering crucial support. There, they witnessed the grave effects of SAM on children and the severe strain on the overstretched hospital infrastructure, especially as the hunger season reaches its peak.
Health workers and patients alike appealed for expanded stabilization centers and improved access to life-saving Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), the supply of which is currently under threat due to importation bottlenecks.
RUTF bottlenecks top discussion
UNICEF, MSF, and Action Against Hunger (ACF) jointly raised the alarm over the delayed release of over 30 containers of RUTF stuck at Nigerian ports—an issue that, if unresolved, could jeopardize treatment efforts for thousands of malnourished children.
Responding to the concern, Prof. Yilwatda requested a detailed report from partners outlining the logistical challenges hindering RUTF importation. He pledged to engage all relevant government agencies to fast-track the clearance process and ensure uninterrupted supply.
Recommendations and next steps
At the close of the day’s engagements, the delegation agreed on a set of urgent recommendations:
Federal Government should expedite support to clear the RUTF backlog and streamline future importation processes.
State Government is encouraged to sustain and increase its investment in nutrition while exploring homegrown food solutions.
Development Partners will strengthen their synergy and produce a comprehensive report on the challenges affecting RUTF delivery.
The delegation also announced plans for follow-up meetings to ensure actionable outcomes from the discussions.
Onward to Gwadabawa
The advocacy tour continues on Sunday, July 20, with a visit to the ACF-supported Stabilization Center in Gwadabawa, where partners will further assess interventions and community impact.
Delegation members
Prof. Nantewa Yilwatda – Minister of Humanitarian Affairs
Gautier Mignot – EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS
Alexandre Castellano – ECHO Country Representative
Thierno Samba Diallo – ACF Country Director
UNICEF Country Representative
Ahmed, MSF Nigeria Country Representative
