Bauchi lawmakers to probe alleged mismanagement of N1bn child nutrition funds

The Bauchi State House of Assembly has ordered a thorough investigation into the expenditure of over N1 billion allocated for food and nutrition for children.

The investigation follows reports of rising malnutrition rates despite nearly 100 per cent of the funds being released in previous years.

The lawmakers reached this resolution during a two-day advocacy and sensitisation meeting organised by the State Committee on Food and Nutrition in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination, with support from UNICEF.

During the dialogue, shocking revelations emerged regarding the N1 billion spent on child nutrition in Bauchi over two years.

Reacting to the troubling data, which showed numerous children at risk of death, Bauchi Speaker Abubakar Suleiman expressed deep concern, noting that despite billions spent on nutrition, the crisis persists. He pledged to investigate the spending.

“This is worrisome. Something is wrong somewhere. Honourable members, with your permission, I want to suggest that the House Committee on Food and Nutrition embark on an oversight function to find out what went wrong,” he stated.

DAILY POST reports that the state recently shut down its centres for the management of acute malnutrition due to a shortage of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food, RUTF, essential for treating severe acute malnutrition.

Meanwhile, Bauchi has the highest number of malnourished children in the Northeast subregion.

The Speaker called on the House Committee on Food and Nutrition to launch a full-scale investigation to uncover the cause of the problem.

His suggestion was unanimously supported by all 31 members present at the meeting.

The lawmakers insisted on a comprehensive probe to identify the missing link in the implementation of the nutrition budget and ensure accountability in the utilisation of public funds.