The Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, Abdul-Aziz Gafasa, has said that the legislature would improve budgetary allocation and funds releases for nutrition interventions in the state. Gafasa made the pledge in Zaria, at the opening of a two-day Pre-budget and Review Meeting with legislators, heads of relevant Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), to improve nutrition investment in the state.

He explained that the improvement in the nutrition interventions would come through rigorous oversight functions by all standing committees of the assembly. He disclosed that the state had earmarked N4.3 billion to implement its multi-sectoral strategic plan of action for nutrition, 2019 – 2023. According to him, the assembly will collaborate with the state government to improve funding and ensure timely release and cash backing of allocated funds.

“Governor Abdullahi Ganduje is committed to sustain ongoing efforts to reduce hunger and malnutrition, through a multi-sectoral approach at both the state and local government levels. I assure you that our doors are always open to work closely with all relevant stakeholders and nutrition partners to address the scourge of malnutrition in the state,” he said.

The speaker commended the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) for its advocacy to improve the quality of nutrition services and to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition among children, aged under five years, in the state. The State’s nutrition officer, Mrs. Halima Yakasai, said that a total of 17,490 children were admitted in various Community Management of Acute Malnutrition sites in the state between January and August 2020. 247 News