Statement by Ms Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria on her recent visit to Plateau and Bauchi States

I have just returned from a visit to Plateau and Bauchi States, where I met with government leaders, traditional rulers, mothers, fathers, and children. In Plateau, I was honoured to meet with Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Josephine Piyo and members of the State Executive Council. Here I witnessed the State’s commitment to children through its investment in the Child Nutrition Fund. I handed over more than 5,300 cartons of nutrition supplements that will reach 15,000 children. Yet, with nearly half of children under five stunted, it was clear to me that urgent and sustained action is needed. I encouraged the state to release its pledged funds quickly and to also look at investing in locally available, nutritious food so that children can grow strong and healthy.

In Bauchi, I called on His Excellency Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (CON), who spoke of the state’s work to strengthen healthcare, from newborn care units to renovated primary health centers to scaling up investment in education. I also saw how community groups are changing lives, fathers riding bicycles to spread health messages, mothers gathering in Mama2Mama groups to support one another, and traditional leaders taking charge to improve the health and wellbeing of children. The passion and commitment of these groups, especially the women, left me deeply inspired.

I also visited a nutrition facility where I met children struggling with severe acute malnutrition. Holding their tiny hands and seeing the pain in their eyes was a stark reminder that behind every statistic is a child whose future risks slipping away, a mother’s hope, and a father’s dream. No child should suffer this way. These children cannot wait. Their survival depends on the choices and actions we take now, not tomorrow. One such action is the Bauchi State Government’s release of ₦300 million to the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF). This contribution will be matched by UNICEF, doubling the impact and allowing us to reach even more children with lifesaving nutrition interventions.

My message is simple. Plateau and Bauchi have shown what is possible when leadership, communities, and partners come together for children. Now is the time to go further, by releasing more funds for nutrition, investing in local food solutions, and scaling up community-driven initiatives that are already delivering results. If we act with urgency and unity, we can give every child in Nigeria the chance not just to survive, but to truly thrive.

Wafaa Saeed
Representative
UNICEF Nigeria