CS-SUNN, Yobe Govt. partner to boost nutrition efforts
CS-SUNN, Yobe Govt. partner to boost nutrition efforts
The Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has reaffirmed its commitment to partner with the Yobe State Government to improve nutrition funding and policies.
Mr Muhammad Ali, CS-SUNN State Secretary, made this known during a follow-up advocacy visit to the Yobe State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Damaturu on Friday.
Ali stated that the partnership would focus on enhanced budget tracking and matching grants for nutrition interventions.
He explained that the visit aimed to review progress on earlier discussions, including advocating for an extension of maternity leave from three to six months and monitoring nutrition-related allocations in the state’s 2025 budget.
“We are here to ascertain how much the government has budgeted for nutrition and whether the funds have been approved and utilised as planned,” he said.
Ali emphasised that CS-SUNN, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), was prepared to match any amount allocated by the state government through commodity-based interventions.
“For instance, if the government budgets N500 million for nutrition, we will match it in kind to scale up impact. This is why tracking budget performance is critical,” he added.
The team expressed satisfaction with the ministry’s cooperation and urged for expedited access to the requested budget details to ensure smooth collaboration.
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In his remarks, Alhaji Muhammed Gagiyo, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, represented by Alhaji Hamisu Babi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry emphasised the importance of civil society involvement in governance.
“Whatever we do in this ministry, CSOs must be involved. They are the voice of the voiceless and the eyes of both the government and the people,” he said.
He commended CS-SUNN’s efforts and pledged the ministry’s full support, including following up on the proposed matching grant with the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that the visit underscores the growing synergy between Yobe State and development partners in addressing malnutrition and promoting maternal welfare.
