Kano probes theft, sale of ₦500m free children’s malnutrition food

The Kano State Government has inaugurated an 18-member committee to investigate the alleged diversion, theft and unauthorised sale of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food meant for the treatment of malnourished children across the state.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, Nabilusi Abubakar, a copy of which was made available to PidomNigeria Online.

According to the statement, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Yusuf, inaugurated the committee on behalf of the governor, Abba Yusuf.

Inaugurating the committee, the commissioner said it was constituted to uncover the facts surrounding the reported diversion of the life-saving nutritional commodities and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice.

“The committee is mandated to investigate the alleged diversion of RUTF, establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify responsible individuals or groups, including possible collaborators among health workers, private traders and community members, as well as determine the quantity and estimated value of the missing products”, Labaran said.

The commissioner further stated that the committee is also expected to recommend appropriate administrative, disciplinary and corrective measures, provide additional recommendations where necessary, and submit its report within 14 days of its inauguration.

He revealed that the Kano State Government spent over N500 million on the procurement of the RUTF products to support the treatment of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, stressing that the commodities were intended solely for vulnerable children and not for commercial purposes.

“It is deeply disturbing that some unpatriotic individuals allegedly diverted the nutritional supplements for personal gain by selling them in open markets, thereby denying malnourished children access to critical treatment,” the commissioner was quoted as saying.

He emphasised that the government would not tolerate any act capable of undermining public health interventions and would ensure that all those involved face the full weight of the law.

The 18-member committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Pharmacist Aminu Bashir, while the Director of Administration and General Services, Alhaji Naziru Tanko Kyaure, will serve as secretary.

Responding on behalf of the committee, the chairman assured the state government that members would discharge their responsibilities with utmost diligence, transparency and professionalism.

“We want to assure the government that no stone will be left unturned in uncovering the truth and safeguarding public resources meant for the well-being of children”, the chairman added.