Jigawa State First Lady Decries Diversion of Lifesaving Therapeutic Food
The First Lady of Jigawa State, Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, has issued a stern warning against the illegal diversion and commercial sale of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a specialised product critical for treating severe acute malnutrition in children.
Speaking at a courtesy meeting with the Jigawa State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Ibrahim, at the Government House in Dutse, Hajiya Namadi described the practice as a threat to child survival. She explained that RUTF, supplied by the state government and development partners, is a prescribed medical intervention, not ordinary food, and must remain freely accessible to severely malnourished children.
“The product meant to save vulnerable children is unfortunately being diverted and sold in markets, shops, and even homes,” she stated. “This diversion directly deprives children of the urgent, lifesaving treatment they need.”
She called on mothers, community leaders, and all stakeholders to actively support efforts to halt the illegal trade. Hajiya Namadi urged residents to report perpetrators, emphasising that the continued diversion could discourage development partners from sustaining their vital support to the state’s nutrition programmes.
The concern aligns with an ongoing advocacy campaign. Alhaji Ibrahim said his visit was part of NOA’s concerted effort to combat the misuse of humanitarian aid. He revealed that the agency, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, has intensified public awareness drives to curb the illegal sale and diversion of RUTF.
RUTF is a high-energy, nutrient-dense paste used to treat children under five with severe wasting. Its consistent supply is fundamental to managing Nigeria’s high burden of child malnutrition. The theft and commercialisation of this commodity undermine public health initiatives and risk reversing gains in child mortality reduction.
The First Lady’s intervention highlights the governance challenge of safeguarding therapeutic supplies at the community level. Her call for vigilance and the NOA’s awareness campaign represent a coordinated state-level response to protect a critical health resource. The effectiveness of these efforts will be crucial in maintaining donor confidence and ensuring that therapeutic food reaches its intended beneficiaries.
