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5,800 Plateau Children Suffer Acute Malnutrition – Report

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6 months ago

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By Asile Abel,Jos

For decades, malnutrition in Nigeria has been described in statistics, often reduced to charts and policy debates. But in places like Jos North, the crisis has a face, small arms that barely fit a measuring tape, sunken eyes that betray hunger, and children who, at five years old, weigh less than they should at two.

Despite being one of Nigeria’s agricultural strongholds, Plateau State has not been spared from the nutrition crisis gripping the country. According to the 2023 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), nearly half of the children in the state are stunted, with more than 326,000 affected, a staggering figure for a state blessed with fertile soil and local food options.

Still, in the midst of the crisis, voices of resilience rise.

Cynthia Raymond, a mother of a six-month-old baby, sits proudly with her daughter in her arms. Nothing else, just breast milk. It’s been good. No illness. I eat well, eggs, meat, fruits and I see the strength in my baby. She hardly falls sick.” she says with confidence.

Cynthia is one of many mothers embracing exclusive breastfeeding, a low-cost, high-impact intervention proven to prevent disease and promote healthy growth in children under six months.

“After six months, I plan to introduce complementary feeding. I’ll make Tamba, groundnut, grains with crayfish and vegetables. I want her strong,” she added.

Another mother, Tabita Solomon, shares a similar story. “I prepared puff from ground grains, soybean, and crayfish. He ate it and loved it. They said breastfed babies don’t eat much, but mine? He eats everything. He started crawling before five months. He walks now. Teething was easy.”

These mothers represent a growing movement: women returning to traditional, nutritious foods and health education to combat a crisis once thought insurmountable.

Yet, the scale of the challenge is immense. Across Nigeria, over 15 million children are stunted, 10 million are wasted, and 12 million are anaemic. Numbers second only to India globally. In Plateau alone, 5,800 children suffer from severe acute malnutrition. And the consequences are deadly: weakened immunity, poor brain development, and a high risk of death before the age of five.

Philomena Irene, a Nutrition Specialist at UNICEF Nigeria, Bauchi Field Office, did not mince words during a two-day media dialogue with journalists in Jos. “Nigeria ranks number one in Africa for child malnutrition. Not because of war like in Sudan or Chad but because of our child population size and systemic health gaps.

She painted a grim picture “31 million Nigerians don’t know where their next meal will come from. And among children aged 0–6 months, only one in three is exclusively breastfed. We’re already shortchanging the future,” she warned.

Plateau’s statistics align with this national crisis. 46.4% of children are stunted, 4.8% are wasted, and 22.3% are anaemic. The under-five mortality rate is 105 per 1,000 live births, well above global targets.

She stressed that reversing malnutrition requires a shift not just in policy, but in attitude. “This is about our own children. Not someone else’s but ours. Feeding them right is our first responsibility.”

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The mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) band, a simple strip used to measure a child’s nutrition status. “When the arm falls in the red zone, we know we must act immediately. That child is severely wasted”; Irene explained, holding up the strip.

In Plateau, the red-zone children number in thousands. Yet, the awareness is growing.

UNICEF called on local leaders, families, and policymakers to act. “Start from your kitchen. Choose wisely. That sugary beverage? It’s 90% sugar, 1% cocoa. That’s not food,” Philomena said, her voice tinged with frustration.

Malnutrition, as the Nutritionist say, is not incurable. But it is sneaky, it hides behind full stomachs and cultural norms. “Just because a child eats doesn’t mean they’re nourished,” warned Philomena

Irene revealed that every $1 invested in child nutrition generates a $16 return, emphasizing the economic and developmental urgency of tackling malnutrition among children aged 6 to 23 months in Plateau State.

The nutritionist said that while exclusive breastfeeding is vital for children from birth to six months, attention must shift to ensuring nutrient-rich complementary foods are introduced afterward.

“In Plateau State, according to the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, two out of every three children suffer from food poverty, meaning they lack access to the minimum dietary diversity needed for proper growth. Our goal with this dialogue is to mobilize awareness and foster government and community action to improve child nutrition outcomes,” she said.

Irene highlighted the significant consequences of malnutrition on cognitive and physical development, especially in the 6–23 months age range, which falls within the first 1,000 days of life, a scientifically proven window critical to lifelong development.

The nutrition specialist warned that failing to invest in nutrition carries steep costs for families and the country. “It costs ₦21,000 to prevent malnutrition, but more than ₦190,000 to treat it. The return on investment is clear for every $1 spent on nutrition, we get $16 in economic return,” Irene added, citing research from the World Bank and Lancet Series.

One of the key interventions spotlighted at the event was the introduction of Small Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS)—a specialized supplement for enriching the diets of children during the complementary feeding period.

She explained that in 2024, Plateau State committed $200,000 to the Child Nutrition Fund, which was matched by UNICEF. The joint funding enabled the state to procure over 5,900 cartons of SQ-LNS for distribution.

Irene also revealed that discussions are underway to commence local production of SQ in Nigeria, a move aimed at reducing costs and creating jobs.

She emphasized that community awareness, sustained political will, and strategic government investments are vital in reversing the alarming trend of malnutrition. “This is not just a health issue, it is an economic and national development issue,” Irene said.

At the Township Primary Health Centre in Jos North, Halima Chantu, the acting officer-in-charge, leads the charge with hands-on education. “We give health talks every day during immunization and antenatal care. We teach them breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and local food prep,” she said.

Halima said that using locally available food is key. “Why spend money on packaged food when yam, sweet potato, and vegetables are right here? We teach them how to combine these. We even encourage them to grow spinach.”

Halima’s team monitors babies’ growth, checks weights, and follows up when signs of malnutrition appear. “We don’t stop at advice. We follow through,” she added.

The World Bank warns that stunting alone can reduce GDP, a stark reminder that malnutrition is not just a health issue, but a national development threat.

Across Jos and its neighboring communities, a quiet revolution is taking shape, one vegetable garden, one feeding demonstration, one mother at a time.

Mothers like Tabita and Cynthia are leading the way not with slogans, but with practice. Their message is clear: start early, feed right, and never underestimate the power of knowledge passed from one mother to another.

In a nation as young as Nigeria where nearly half the population is under 18, this revolution could shape the country’s destiny.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Defects to APC After Stakeholder Consultations

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March 9, 2026

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The Zamfara State Government has announced that Governor Dauda Lawal has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following what officials described as “extensive consultations with stakeholders, political leaders, elders, and supporters across the state.” This was contained in a statement signed by Nuhu Salihu Anka, Director General, Media and Communication, Office of the Governor.

According to the statement, Governor Lawal’s decision was driven by the overriding interest of stability, progress, and sustainable development in Zamfara State. “After careful consideration, His Excellency has decided to formally defect to the APC,” Anka said, noting that the move followed prolonged internal crises within the PDP at both national and state levels.

The government explained that unresolved leadership disagreements and structural challenges in the PDP had created uncertainty and distractions that threatened effective governance. “These challenges have continued to hinder the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Zamfara State,” the statement emphasized.

Governor Lawal reiterated that his primary responsibility remains the peace, security, and development of Zamfara State. “It became necessary to align with a political platform that provides greater unity, stability, and stronger cooperation with the Federal Government,” Anka quoted the governor as saying.

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The statement further revealed that the final deliberation leading to the defection was held at the Government House in Gusau, under the coordination of the Deputy Governor, alongside senior government officials and key political stakeholders. “This was a collective decision reached after wide consultations,” Anka explained.

Governor Lawal expressed appreciation to PDP members and supporters for their cooperation over the years. However, he noted that the prevailing political realities and unresolved crises within the party made it necessary to take what he described as “a bold step in the interest of good governance and the future of Zamfara State.”

By joining the APC, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening unity, improving security, accelerating development, and ensuring that Zamfara State benefits fully from stronger collaboration with the Federal Government. “This is a new political phase aimed at promoting unity, stability, and development,” Anka stated.

The government therefore called on citizens, political leaders, party supporters, and stakeholders to remain calm and supportive. “We urge everyone to embrace this transition peacefully as Zamfara enters a new chapter of political cooperation and progress,”

 

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Petrol Price Surge to Deepen Cost-of-Living Crisis as Dangote Refinery Hikes Rates Again

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1 day ago

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March 9, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The financial burden on Nigerian consumers is set to intensify following a sharp increase in petrol prices by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, marking the third adjustment in less than a week.

Effective Monday, the refinery raised the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to ₦1,175 per litre. This represents a significant jump of ₦180, or approximately 18.1%, from the ₦995 per litre price announced just last Friday. In a parallel move, the gantry price of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) was also revised upward to ₦1,620 per litre.

Confirming the development to our correspondent, a senior official at the refinery, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on public commentary, stated that the changes have been formally communicated to marketers and depot operators.

“Yes, the gantry prices have been adjusted. PMS is now ₦1,175 per litre while Automotive Gas Oil is ₦1,620 per litre,” the official said. “The market has been extremely volatile, and replacement costs have shifted significantly in recent days. These adjustments reflect prevailing market fundamentals and the cost environment we are currently operating in.”

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Data from the industry pricing platform, petroleumprice.ng, confirmed that the revised rates have been integrated into depot pricing systems nationwide, effectively resetting the benchmark for downstream marketers.

This latest surge—which has seen gantry prices climb from ₦774 to over ₦1,175 in a matter of days—is already translating to higher costs at the pump. Retail outlets in several states are now selling petrol for approximately ₦1,200 per litre, adding another layer of economic strain on households and businesses.

The increase is expected to trigger a fresh wave of price adjustments across the country. Higher fuel costs invariably lead to increased expenses for transportation, logistics, and production, costs that are typically passed on to consumers. This dynamic threatens to exacerbate Nigeria’s already high cost of living.

The price hikes underscore the challenges facing the Federal Government’s efforts to stabilize the downstream sector. Through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, the government has been working to secure crude oil supply for the Dangote refinery via third-party international traders in a bid to sustain local refining and, ultimately, moderate prices.

However, officials caution that these interventions may not yield immediate relief for consumers. As the 650,000-barrel-per-day Lekki-based refinery adjusts its prices in response to volatile market realities, Nigerians are left grappling with the immediate consequences of a deregulated market where pump prices are increasingly subject to global and local market forces.

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ADVERT:KANO STATE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT BOARD IMMUNIZATION PLUS AND MALARIA PROGRESS BY ACCELERATING COVERAGE AND TRANSFORMING SERVICES (IMPACT PROJECT)

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1 day ago

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March 9, 2026

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KANO STATE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT BOARD
IMMUNIZATION PLUS AND MALARIA PROGRESS BY ACCELERATING COVERAGE AND TRANSFORMING SERVICES (IMPACT PROJECT)

CREDIT NO. IDA-65390

Request for Bids – Goods

Procurement of 44 Nos. Ultrasound Scan Machines for 44 Secondary Facilities in Kano State.

NG-KANO MPA-536529-GO-RFB

Date of Issue: March 9, 2026

1. The Kano State Government through the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has received a credit from the International Development Association toward the cost of the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this credit to payments under the Contract for the Procurement of 44 Nos. Ultrasound Scan Machines for 44 Secondary Facilities in Kano State.

2. The Kano State Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), Project now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the Procurement of the following:

Item No.
Description / Identification of Items
Qty
Bid Security
Delivery Period
Location(s)

 

Procurement of 44 Nos. Ultrasound Scan Machines for 44 Secondary Facilities in Kano State.

NG-KANO MPA-536529-GO-RFB
44
₦19,700,000.00
90 days
Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), Project, State PIU Office, Na’ibawa Zaria Road, Opposite Gidan Fiat, Kano State

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Bidding Procedures
3. Bidding will be conducted through National Competitive Bidding using Request for Bids (RfB) as specified in the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” Procurement in Investment Projects Financing” November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”) available on www.worldbank.org/procure and is open to all Bidders as defined in the Procurement Regulations. In addition, please refers to paragraphs 3.14 to 3.17 in the “Procurement Regulation” on the conflict of interest.

Invitation
4. Interested and eligible bidders may obtain further information from the State Project Manager, Kano State IMPACT Project, and inspect/obtain the bidding documents at the address below, between 9.00 am to 4.00 pm Mondays to Fridays, except on public holidays.

5. Qualifications requirements include:

The Bidder should demonstrate that it has successfully completed the supply/installation of a minimum of 30 (Thirty) Ultrasound Scan Machine within the last 5 (five) years.”
Audited financial statements for the last three (3) years, to demonstrate the financial capability of the Bidder in terms of Profitability and adequate working capital,
Registration with Professional organizations/Licenses to sell Medical Equipment in Nigeria.
Company Registration,
Certified Manufacturers Authorization,
Evidence of after-sales services in Nigeria

A margin of preference for eligible national contractors shall not apply; Additional details are provided in the Bidding Documents.

6. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written Application to the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of ₦ 100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira only). The payment method will be a Bank Draft in favour of the Kano State IMPACT Project. The Bidding Documents will be collected by the representative of the Bidder or by courier services on request, which shall be at the bidder’s cost.

7. Bids must be delivered to the address below at 11:00 am local time on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Electronic bid submissions will not be accepted; Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives, who choose to attend in person at the address below 11:00 am local time on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of ₦19,700,000.00 in local currency or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency.

8. The address referred to above is:

The State Project Manager,
State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU),
Kano State Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), Project,
Address: Na’ibawa Zaria Road, Opposite Gidan Fiat, P.M.B 3295, Kano State.
Telephone: +234 803 530 7255 / +234 806 558 1226
Email address: piukanoimpactproject@gmail.com

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