The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has reaffirmed its dedication to eradicating hunger in Nigeria, with a focus on addressing acute malnutrition among children.
During an official visit to Tangaza Local Government Area in Sokoto on Saturday, FAO’s Country Representative, Mr. Koffy Dominique, announced that the organization aims to support one million malnourished children across the state.
As part of its initial intervention, FAO is partnering with the Sokoto State Ministry of Health to distribute 21 metric tones of Tom Brown, a highly nutritious food, to 1,750 children aged 6 to 59 months who have recently recovered from Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) at targeted feeding and outpatient therapeutic centers.
Dominique explained that the distribution of Tom Brown is designed to help children transition to regular family meals while reducing the risk of relapse into malnutrition.
“This initiative is part of our broader commitment to enhancing food security and improving nutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, young girls, and children under five,” he stated.
With funding from the Government of France, FAO is working closely with the Sokoto State Government to implement food and nutrition assistance programs, improve access to nutrient-rich foods, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
To further strengthen food security efforts, FAO is collaborating with the Sokoto State Ministries of Agriculture and Education to establish school gardens in four selected schools. These gardens will serve as educational hubs where students can gain practical agricultural skills and nutrition awareness.
Dominique noted that this programme is being piloted in Sokoto State, with plans for expansion across seven states in North-West Nigeria.
“In spite of improved security in some areas, Nigeria still has 30.6 million displaced persons, with the North-West region accounting for 11 million, or 35% of the national total,” he said, highlighting the urgent need for continued food security interventions.
He reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting North-West states in increasing food production and tackling malnutrition.
The Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SSPHCDA), Hajiya Larai Tambuwal,
pledged the state government’s full support for the initiative and commended the role of traditional and religious leaders in ensuring its success.
The intervention has already commenced in Tangaza and Rabah Local Government Areas, with plans to extend the program across all 23 LGAs in the state.
