From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Kaduna State Government has inaugurated a 17-member taskforce committee to track and prevent the diversion of nutrition commodities.
The development aimed at strengthening accountability and ensuring life-saving supplies reach vulnerable populations especially women and children in dire need.
Speaking at the inauguration held on Wednesday, the Commissioner, Planning and Budget Commission (PBC), Mukhtar Ahmed Monrovia, said the initiative was driven by growing concerns that essential nutrition supplies were not reaching intended beneficiaries, particularly women and children.
He noted that over the years, government and development partners have invested significantly in providing nutrition commodities across the state, but stressed that the impact of such interventions depends largely on transparency, proper utilisation, and effective monitoring systems.
“The success of these efforts relies on accountability and the proper use of resources.
“We have observed gaps suggesting that some of these commodities are not getting to the last mile,” he said.
Monrovia explained that the newly inaugurated expandable taskforce has a clear mandate to strengthen tracking systems, ensure timely and accurate reporting, and monitor the distribution and use of nutrition commodities across the state.
He emphasised that members of the committee were carefully selected based on their competence and integrity, urging them to approach their responsibilities with diligence and a strong sense of duty.
“The expectations are high. This assignment is critical to improving service delivery, restoring public trust, and achieving better nutrition outcomes,” he added.
Chairman of the Committee and Permanent Secretary in PBC, Mukhtar Abdullahi, reinforced the accountability focus of the initiative, stating that the taskforce was established in response to persistent complaints about diversion of both aid and nutrition commodities.
“We have reason to believe that these commodities are not reaching the last mile; the people they are meant for.
“This committee is to monitor, track, and ensure proper utilization,” he said.
He stressed that the commodities, largely targeted at children and women, must be safeguarded to protect the most vulnerable groups in society.
“We will do everything possible to ensure that these essential supplies reach the intended beneficiaries. That is the essence of this committee,” Abdullahi stated.
Also speaking, Nutrition Specialist at UNICEF, Chinwe Ezeife, who represented the Chief of Kaduna Field Office, Dr. Gerida Birikula, commended the state government for taking decisive action to address the issue.
She described the taskforce as a critical step toward strengthening transparency and accountability in the management of public health commodities.
“Misuse, diversion, and inefficient management must be avoided. These commodities are meant to improve nutritional outcomes and save lives, especially among vulnerable populations,” she said.
Ezeife reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the state with technical expertise to ensure effective implementation, proper documentation, and clear accountability mechanisms.
The taskforce comprises representatives from key ministries, departments, and agencies, alongside development partners, academia, and civil society groups.
It is expected to provide coordinated, multi-sectoral oversight to improve monitoring systems and ensure that nutrition interventions deliver measurable impact.
The post Kaduna sets up task force to tackle diversion of nutrition commodities appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
