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New data shows extremely critical levels of malnutrition in parts of northwest Nigeria
New data shows extremely critical levels of malnutrition in parts of northwest Nigeria
By:Our Reporter
Extremely critical levels of malnutrition found in the conclusions of a survey done by the humanitarian medical organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) / Doctors Without Borders. The survey was conducted on 2,066 children of three local government areas (LGA) of Katsina State, in collaboration with Epicentre (MSF’s epidemiology arm) and the Katsina State Ministry of Health. It shows that in some areas, levels of global acute malnutrition have doubled since last year, when the situation was already considered dire. Aid in this region has never been enough to meet the needs and is now decreasing even further. MSF draws attention to the immediate additional support needed to avoid a deadlier catastrophe in 2025.
The survey was done in July in the LGAs of Katsina, Jibia and Mashi shows a major nutritional crisis underway with over 30 per cent of children suffering from global acute malnutrition (GAM) in some areas and severe acute malnutrition (SAM) rates — the most dangerous form of malnutrition — between 6.8 per cent and 14.4 per cent. People in these areas are at the extremely critical level of malnutrition according to the integrated food security phase classification for acute malnutrition. MSF has continued to see an increase in malnutrition admissions since the survey was conducted.
This survey has been carried out yearly since 2022 at the same period in the same areas and with the same methodology to estimate the prevalence of acute malnutrition in children aged six months to almost five years of age, the GAM levels in the first survey were 22 per cent. Nutritional status of children six to 59 months was assessed using a combination of three methodologies: mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), bilateral pitting oedema, and weight-for-height z-score (WHZ).
“These survey results are, quite frankly, terrifying. We have seen figures rising steadily for the past couple of years and now we are moving from critical to extremely critical levels. In one area of the state, Mashi LGA, we found 14% of children we surveyed were severely malnourished, prevalence this high is catastrophic. We really need to see more, not less action from organisations, otherwise we are going to see children dying in record numbers,” says Dr, Raphael Kananga, MSF Medical Coordinator.
As a result of this situation, MSF, which runs four therapeutic treatment centers for malnourished children in Katsina state, has provided care to more children this year, in more severe states of malnutrition, of which more had to be hospitalised. In total, our medical teams have attended more than 100,000 malnourished children from January until now, which represents a 20 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Admissions for hospitalisation have increased by more than 50 per cent compared to 2022 and 2023, and more than 800 children could not be saved due to too severe conditions and died in our facilities in Katsina state between January and September 2024.
The projections of a further deterioration in food insecurity for the near future are also very worrying. Inflation is currently very high in Nigeria, the devaluation of the local currency is continuing, agricultural yields have strongly decreased again this year. The cost of living is increasing, insecurity remains a concern in several parts of the region, and climate events are expected to continue – impacting livestock and crops. All of these factors mean that if no additional support is set in place, MSF fears a deadlier catastrophe in 2025. However, despite the huge increases in prevalence of global acute malnutrition, for example by over 75 per cent in Jibia LGA, one area surveyed, Katsina state, along with the rest of the northwest region is still not included in the UN’s humanitarian response plan for Nigeria.
Earlier this year, MSF conducted a mass screening in several areas of Zamfara state and found 27 per cent of children suffering from global acute malnutrition. This is a trend we are seeing across all our nutrition facilities in northern Nigeria. Overall, MSF medical teams responding in seven states spanning northern Nigeria have treated 294,000 children for malnutrition between January – September this year. This is 43 percent higher than the number of children treated in that same period in 2023.
Despite this, global funding cuts are reducing organisations’ ability to respond and treat children with malnutrition. Insufficient amounts of therapeutic food globally have been a challenge over the last year and are still worsening. In some areas, such as Zamfara, there have only been limited supplies available since March. UNICEF has recently launched a global appeal with fears that nearly two million children across 12 countries are at risk of death due to these shortages.
“We have consistently raised the alarm about the escalating malnutrition crisis in northern Nigeria, and the findings of recent surveys confirm our worst fears—conditions have not improved; they have significantly deteriorated. This year, our teams across locations such as Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, and Maiduguri have been overwhelmed by an unprecedented number of malnourished children requiring urgent care. We have utilised every available resource, from overflow tents to spare mattresses, to manage the influx of patients arriving at our hospitals. Without meaningful and immediate action, I fear the situation could worsen dramatically in the coming year. We recognise the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s recent and ongoing efforts towards tackling malnutrition. If all stakeholders increase funding and ensure a reliable supply of therapeutic food, there is hope that we can save the lives of many children next year.” Dr. Simba Tirima, Country Representative for MSF in Nigeria.
MSF runs nutrition projects in seven states in Nigeria: Borno, Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi. This involves 10 inpatient facilities including those in Maiduguri, and in Katsina city and over 30 outpatient feeding centres across these states to treat children with moderate and severe malnutrition who do not need to be admitted to hospital.
New data shows extremely critical levels of malnutrition in parts of northwest Nigeria
FG unveils 39 inmate transport vehicles, armoured booths for prison security
By: Our Reporter
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, has inaugurated 39 mini-green Maria vehicles to ensure the safe transportation of inmates to courts during trials.
In a statement on X, the ministry said the commissioning took place at the headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
The minister also unveiled four armoured security guard booths to protect correctional facilities from external aggression by non-state actors.
“The Hon. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, today inaugurated four armored security guard booths at the Nigerian Correctional Service headquarters to enhance the defense of correctional facilities against external threats,” the statement reads.
“He also unveiled 39 mini-green Maria vehicles designed to ensure the secure transportation of inmates to court during trials. These efforts reflect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to the safety and welfare of officers and inmates.
FG unveils 39 inmate transport vehicles, armoured booths for prison security
Damaturu Flyover: The Making of A Befitting State Capital
By: Mamman Mohammed
Since the news about the signing of the Damaturu fly over contract filtered the air, it attracted accolades in many quarters and of course, reservations in some quarters. This is very normal and usual with every human endeavour.
It is pertinent to note that His Excellency the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, while presenting the 2025 budget to the state House of Assembly, emphatically said “The widespread of road projects is intended to give a facelift and accessibility to our communities. Government is committed to the completion of the seventeen ongoing road projects, and to embark on eleven new ones. The completion of the township roads and drainages in five Local Government Areas is very dear to the government. I am also pleased to inform you that work would soon commence for the construction of the Damaturu flyover. We would also commence work on the Damaturu Green Economic City”.
Similarly, the budget allocated funds to other sectors to run simultaneously to improve the lives of the people without obstructing the execution of other projects and programmes in other sectors.
Importantly, the budget went through open process of careful and critical scrutiny, with Civil Society Organizations, individuals and groups in attendance.
Throughout the public sitting, none of the interest groups and individuals identified any project including the Damaturu flyover road as a misplacement of priority that would be at the expense of another, and as they may say, it is robbing Peter to pay Paul.
There is no doubt that the Damaturu flyover project will not only check the numerous congestion and accidents in the metropolis but, also beautify Damaturu, from a glorified local government headquarters to a beffiting state capital that is comparable to its peers, and a pride of every Yobean.
This takes us to the Muhammadu Buhari lnternational Cargo Airport as a reference point. When Gov. Buni took over the leadership of the state in 2019, there was an argument for and against the completion of the airport.
Many people described it as a wasteful project while others urged the new administration to ensure its completion. And when Gov. Buni finally announced the completion of the airport which was still at skeletal stage, it put such arguments to halt.
Gov. Buni’s argument was that, abandoning the project at that level would be a monumental loss to the state that would only attract untold inflation whenever any administration decides to complete the airport. Thanks to the wise decision, and the deep futuristic thinking by Governor Buni.
Today, the argument over the completion of the airport is now history. It is
completed and commissioned. It remains
one of the iconic legacy projects, with a very prosperous future to the state.
Already, some international investors have indicated interest in direct and indirect investments in the state. The Qatari business community and most recently, the Moroccan Investment, lmport and Export Development Agency, said the airport is a window to a fruitful economic partnership that would generate employment and wealth creation.
The same criticisms greeted the Kano, Maiduguri, Yola, Kaduna and Jalingo flyovers.
Surprisingly, some characters who lauded the flyovers elsewhere have suddenly changed their positions with the Damaturu flyover.
As a known fact, there may be no single government project or programme that would generate100% support from the public, as everyone may have his opinion for or against such project.
We should always see such projects positively and support government in its development strides to make Damaturu a state capital that is in tune with the changing times.
Damaturu Flyover: The Making of A Befitting State Capital
Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts
By: Zagazola Makama
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the release of Usman Daina, the Secretary of Munya Local Government Council, who was abducted by armed bandits.
Daina was freed unhurt following a sustained pursuit operation by security forces. However, authorities have stated that efforts are still ongoing to rescue other victims who remain in captivity and to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.
Zagazola Makama had reported that On Feb. 21, 2025, heavily armed bandits launched an attack on Munya Local Government Area, abducting several residents, including the council secretary.
It was gathered that that the assailants moved from Chibani forest through the Shakwata axis before striking various communities, including the Dandaudu area of Munya LGA.
The attackers invaded homes, looted food supplies, and forcefully took away multiple victims.
Following the abduction, the Nigerian Army troops, police tactical teams, vigilantes, and other security forces were deployed to track the movements of the kidnappers.
Their aggressive pursuit led to the successful release of Daina, while efforts continue to rescue the remaining captives and dismantle the criminal network responsible for the attack.
Sources said that the security forces are currently conducting aerial surveillance, intelligence-driven operations, and ground raids on identified bandit hideouts in the region.
Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts
FG unveils 39 inmate transport vehicles, armoured booths for prison security
Damaturu Flyover: The Making of A Befitting State Capital
Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts
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