Adamawa LGAs Commit to Increased Investment in Child Nutrition, Health and Protection
Chairmen of the state’s 21 Local Government Areas agree measurable actions at a two-day advocacy meeting in Gombe
Chairmen and Heads of Local Government Administration from all 21 Local Government Areas of Adamawa State have pledged to prioritise children in their development plans and budgets, beginning with the 2027 budget cycle.
The commitment was made at the end of a two-day advocacy meeting on Investing in Results for Children, held on 21-22 October 2026 at Flourish Hotel, Gombe. It was convened by the Adamawa State Planning Commission, the Ministry of Local Government Affairs and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, in collaboration with UNICEF. Representatives of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office and relevant State officials also took part.
The meeting reviewed the situation of children across the state and stressed the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to a child’s second birthday. It called for coordinated action across health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, education, child protection and behaviour change. Participants noted that low investment, delayed release of approved funds, weak coordination and limited accountability continue to hold back essential services for children.
Key commitments
Child Nutrition Fund: Each LGA will contribute ₦10 million.
Tom-brown preparation: Each LGA will contribute ₦5 million quarterly for educating caregivers and preparing tom-brown for children.
Maternal and child health: LGAs will provide delivery kits for pregnant women, supply essential drugs, and pay health insurance premiums of ₦1,500 per person for pregnant women and under-five children from poor households.
Health workforce: LGAs will take over stipends for nurses and community midwives under the EU-SARAH project and advocate to the Executive Governor for more qualified health personnel and equipment.
Immunisation: LGAs will budget ₦15 million annually for polio vaccination and immunisation campaigns where no funds have been provided.
Water and sanitation: LGAs will provide safe water in underserved communities and step up action to end open defecation.
Other priorities: Birth registration outreach, school participation and support for vulnerable children and adolescent mothers, household food security, and support for local security arrangements to protect essential services.
The LGAs also agreed to support a 2027 Adamawa State General Household Survey, to be conducted after the general elections. It will generate state and LGA-level evidence on household welfare and child deprivation to guide future planning.
Accountability
Each LGA Chairman will name a senior focal person to finalise and implement the council’s commitment plan. The Planning Commission and the two ministries will provide coordination and technical oversight, with progress reviewed quarterly against agreed indicators, including budget allocation, release, expenditure and intervention coverage.
The communiqué was endorsed by the ALGON Chairman, Hon. Dr. Titus G. Obadiah; the Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Planning Commission, Dr. Mary Paninga; the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Anthony E. Predimso; the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Yayaji Mijinyawa; and UNICEF Bauchi’s Chief of Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique.
Participants thanked the Adamawa State Government, the 21 LGA Councils, ministries and agencies, community stakeholders and UNICEF for their continued support for improved results for children.