The Bauchi State House of Assembly has launched a full-scale investigation into the expenditure of over N1 billion allocated for child nutrition following alarming reports of worsening malnutrition rates in the state.
Despite nearly 100% of the funds being released in previous years, the crisis persists, raising concerns about mismanagement. The probe was initiated during a two-day advocacy and sensitization meeting organized by the State Committee on Food and Nutrition in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination, with support from UNICEF.
Speaker Abubakar Suleiman expressed deep concern over the shocking revelations, emphasizing the need for accountability.
“This is worrisome. Something is wrong somewhere. Honourable members, with your permission, I suggest that the House Committee on Food and Nutrition embark on an oversight function to find out what went wrong,” he stated.
The state’s recent closure of acute malnutrition treatment centers due to a shortage of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) has further escalated fears, especially as Bauchi reportedly has the highest number of malnourished children in the Northeast subregion.
All 31 lawmakers present at the meeting unanimously backed the Speaker’s call for a comprehensive probe to trace the missing link in budget implementation and ensure transparency in the utilization of public funds.
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