From Maiharaji Altine
Zamfara State Coalition to end child poverty (ZACOTECP) has commended Zamfara Local Government Areas for allocating N2.9 billion to fight child poverty
ZACOTECP, a coalition of Civil Society and Media Practitioners dedicated to ending child poverty in Zamfara State has expressed gratitude to the 14 Local Government Councils for allocating two billion and nine hundred million naira in their 2025 fiscal year budget specifically for child benefit allowances.
This initiative aims to mitigate poverty and vulnerability among households with underprivileged children throughout the state.
In a statement jointly signed by the Coalition’s Chairman, Balarabe Idris, and Secretary, Dr. Ahmad Hashim, it was noted that the budgets of the 14 local governments are currently under consideration by the state House of Assembly for appropriation and approval.
The coalition urged the State House of Assembly to consider increasing the funds beyond what the local councils have proposed, given the alarming levels of deprivation and multidimensional child poverty in the state.
So also, the statement called on government to ensure timely releases of the allocated funds.
Reports from UNICEF and the National Bureau for Statistics in 2023 ranked Zamfara State sixth in the nation for having a high rate of multidimensionally poor children.
The statement highlighted the establishment of two social protection intervention budget lines by the 14 local governments.
These lines include a conditional cash transfer under the Social and Community Development Department and child benefit allowances allocated by the Women Affairs Department.
This demonstrates that the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Zamfara State chapter are committed to child-friendly initiatives.
The coalition also commended the State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, for fostering an enabling environment and providing support to elected local government officials in their efforts to implement programs aimed at benefiting children and women.
Additionally, they expressed gratitude to UNICEF for enhancing the coalition’s capacity to advocate and campaign on child poverty and vulnerability in the state.
Finally, the coalition called on UNICEF and other development partners to assist the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in effectively utilizing the allocated funds for child-related interventions.
They emphasized the need for the development of a costed implementation plan to facilitate the monitoring and tracking of budget performance.
