A recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that 69.2% of children in Kano State are classified as multi-dimensionally poor. This means that a large majority of children in the state suffer from multiple forms of deprivation, including lack of access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and shelter.
The findings were presented by Fatima Musa, a Social Policy Specialist at UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, during a media dialogue held in Zaria. The event aimed to raise awareness about child poverty and welfare, bringing together media professionals from Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states.
In addition to multi-dimensional poverty, the report shows that 59.5% of children aged 0 to 17 in Kano also suffer from monetary poverty, further emphasizing the severity of the situation. According to Musa, these figures highlight the region’s urgent need for child-focused interventions.
The Child Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) reveals stark regional disparities across Nigeria. Child poverty levels are highest in the North-East and North-West regions, where 90% of children are considered poor. In contrast, poverty levels are somewhat lower in the South-East (74%) and South-West (65.1%).
The report also shows that child poverty exceeds 50% in all Nigerian states and is particularly high in states such as Bayelsa, Gombe, Sokoto, and Kebbi, where over 95% of children are considered multi-dimensionally poor. These figures reflect widespread deprivation beyond income, including limited access to essential services such as clean water, education, and healthcare.
UNICEF emphasized the importance of increased government investment to address child poverty. Fatima Musa urged all levels of government to allocate more resources toward policies and programs that improve children’s welfare, especially in providing access to quality education, healthcare, and social safety nets.
Meanwhile, Samuel Kaalu, UNICEF’s Communication Specialist for the Kano Field Office, urged the media to prioritize coverage of issues affecting women and children, such as violence against children and child rights protection.
UNICEF continues to advocate for stronger governmental and societal action to address Nigeria’s growing child poverty crisis.
