By SANI IDRIS ABDULRAHMAN

The Kaduna State Government has inaugurated a 17-member taskforce committee to track and prevent the diversion of nutrition commodities.

The move is aimed at strengthening accountability and ensuring life-saving supplies reach vulnerable populations, especially women and children in dire need.

Speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday in Kaduna, the Commissioner, Planning and Budget Commission, Mukhtar Ahmed, said the initiative followed concerns that supplies were not reaching intended beneficiaries.

He noted that over the years, government and development partners have invested significantly in providing nutrition commodities across the state.

Ahmed stressed that the impact of such interventions depends largely on transparency, proper utilisation, and effective monitoring systems.

“The success of these efforts relies on accountability and the proper use of resources,” he said.

He added that gaps observed suggest some commodities are not reaching the last mile where they are most needed.

Ahmed explained that the expandable taskforce has a clear mandate to strengthen tracking systems and ensure timely and accurate reporting.

He said the committee would also monitor the distribution and use of nutrition commodities across the state.

The commissioner emphasised that members were carefully selected based on competence and integrity.

He urged them to approach their responsibilities with diligence and a strong sense of duty.

Ahmed described the assignment as critical to improving service delivery, restoring public trust, and achieving better nutrition outcomes.

Chairman of the committee and Permanent Secretary in the commission, Mukhtar Abdullahi, said the taskforce was set up following persistent complaints about diversion.

He said both aid and nutrition commodities were reportedly not reaching the people they were meant for.

Abdullahi noted that the committee would monitor, track, and ensure proper utilisation of the supplies.

He stressed that the commodities, largely targeted at children and women, must be safeguarded to protect vulnerable groups.

“We will do everything possible to ensure that these essential supplies reach the intended beneficiaries,” he said.

Also speaking, the UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Dr Gerida Birikula, commended the state government for taking decisive action.

Birukila, represented by UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Chinwe Ezeife, described the taskforce as a critical step toward strengthening transparency and accountability.

Birukila cautioned that misuse, diversion, and inefficient management must be avoided.

She said the commodities are meant to improve nutritional outcomes and save lives, especially among vulnerable populations.

She reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the state with technical expertise.

Birukila said this would ensure effective implementation, proper documentation, and clear accountability mechanisms.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the taskforce comprises representatives from key ministries, departments, and agencies.

It also includes development partners, academia, and civil society groups.

The committee is expected to provide coordinated, multi-sectoral oversight.

It would improve monitoring systems and ensure nutrition interventions deliver measurable impact. (NAN)