UNICEF Launches Five-Year Child Program in Northwest Nigeria

UNICEF, in collaboration with the state governments of Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina, has launched a five-year child program designed to address the rights and needs of children from 2028 to 2032. The initiative was announced during a meeting held at the UNICEF Kano field office, attended by senior government officials, development partners, and civil society organizations.

Shafeeq Ur Rehman, the Chief of UNICEF Kano Field Office, emphasized that the program was developed in close collaboration with state stakeholders and is responsive to challenges such as rapid population growth, urbanization, climate change, economic pressures, technological advancements, and insecurity affecting children. The program aims to strengthen government systems and requires a multisector approach, integrating education, healthcare, nutrition, child protection, social protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

The Kano State government, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Budget, reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing its partnership with UNICEF and adopting evidence-based plans to improve social service outcomes.