Boma Achenimie 
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over the increasing number of Nigerian children living in poverty.
According to the 2020 Multidimensional Child Poverty Analysis report, over 47 million Nigerian children (47.4% of the child population) live in households earning less than the national poverty line of N137,430 annually.
The UNICEF representative, Mohammed Kamfut called for immediate action to address the worsening child poverty crisis, particularly in the North-East region.
He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to advancing children’s rights and ensuring they have the resources necessary to survive, grow, and thrive.
READ ALSO:
- UNICEF To Procure Mpox Vaccines For Crisis-Hit African Countries
- UNICEF: Nutrition Supplements Stolen, Replaced With Stones
- UNICEF Warns Lactating Mothers Against Feeding Babies With Water
Kamfut noted that while progress has been made in reducing poverty since the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals, millions of children worldwide remain trapped in a cycle of deprivation.
He emphasized that poverty infringes upon children’s human rights and perpetuates a relentless cycle of deprivation.
The UN agency pledged to contribute to the full realization of children’s rights by advocating for improved budgeting and funding for child-responsive programs.
These efforts will help alleviate poverty, a major barrier to achieving the rights of all children.
UNICEF expressed hope that concerted efforts will lead to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including ending preventable child deaths, ensuring quality basic education, and protecting children from violence.
