The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, has unveiled plans to make children the central focus of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2026–2030. Minister of State Doris Uzoka-Anite disclosed this at the FGN/UNICEF annual partners meeting in Abuja, marking the first time in a generation that the NDP prioritizes children. With support from UNICEF, the Ministry has advanced planning, budgeting, and delivery mechanisms aimed at improving outcomes for children nationwide. A revised National Social Protection Policy has been introduced alongside the Nutrition 774 Initiative to reduce poverty, strengthen social safety nets, and improve public financial management across states. Uzoka-Anite stated that investing in children is a strategic economic priority, not just a social obligation. "We envision a Nigeria where every child, regardless of birthplace, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are building a $1 trillion economy driven by the talent and productivity of all Nigerians, including the youngest and most vulnerable," she said. UNICEF Representative Wafaa Saeed reaffirmed the organization's commitment to vulnerable populations and urged efficient resource use and sustainable investment. The Permanent Secretary, Deborah Odoh, highlighted achievements from the 2025 Nutrition and WASH Convergence Programme in four states, noting a 15 percent drop in open defecation and better school attendance among girls in 200 high-burden communities. She cited the completed 2025 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey as critical for guiding the NDP's child-focused targets and improving data-driven decision-making. The plan aligns with the SDGs and Agenda 2063, using child welfare as a key performance measure. The Director of the International Cooperation Department, Samson Ebimaro, represented by Yakubu Abdullahi, emphasized the strong, rights-based partnership between the Ministry and UNICEF.
Doris Uzoka-Anite claims investing in children is a strategic economic priority, yet the same government has not reversed recent cuts to education and health sector allocations in the 2025 budget. The 15 percent reduction in open defecation and improved school attendance in targeted communities show progress is possible, but only where UNICEF is directly involved. If the Nutrition and WASH Convergence Programme is delivering results in just four states, what are children in the other 32 states getting? The $1 trillion economy vision means little if the data and infrastructure to support it remain concentrated in pilot zones.
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