Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has urged lawmakers, especially members of the House Committees on Food and Nutrition, to strengthen oversight of nutrition funding to ensure accountability and the proper use of funds.

CS-SUNN national programme manager,  Ridwan Awosanya, made the call on Thursday during a strategic media engagement forum on domestic nutrition financing in Kano.

According to him, accountability in nutrition financing has been lacking over the years.

‘’Legislative oversight has become imperative to beam searchlight and follow up the monies that have been appropriated for nutrition.

“Lawmakers form a critical component of governance.

“One of the things that has been lacking over the past years is accountability when it comes to financing around nutrition. It has actually been a huge gap for the past years.

“So, we want the legislature (House Committee on Food and Nutrition) to improve their oversight on how funds meant for nutrition are being utilised.

“We want them to really step up their game in terms of following up the money that has been appropriated for nutrition. That is really critical,” Mr Awosanya said.

He further stressed the need for timely fund releases and utilisation, saying nutrition financing should not stop at budget approvals if the country is to reverse and combat malnutrition.

“Budgets are appropriated or approved, but delay or inadequate budget releases remain the major barrier to implementation.

“So, we are advocating appropriation, allocation to be scaled up; then, release to be minimum of 95 per cent; utilization, minimum of 90 per cent. That is what can really change the narrative,” he said.

Earlier, CS-SUNN’s Kano State coordinator, Salmanu Muhammad, said the state chapter would continue its advocacy with all relevant stakeholders to ensure timely fund releases and proper utilisation. 

(NAN)