The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has commended the Nasarawa State Government for its strong commitments to improve child and maternal nutrition. During an advocacy visit to Government House, Lafia on Thursday 21st August 2025, the CS-SUNN delegation secured two significant outcomes: the Governor’s backing for six months paid maternity leave and enthusiastic support for the proposed Project ASPIRE Hub.
CS-SUNN also acknowledged the recently approved ₦250 million counterpart funding to UNICEF, describing it as a major step that demonstrates the State’s willingness to prioritize nutrition financing.
The Nutrition Landscape in Nasarawa
Nasarawa still faces serious nutrition challenges despite progress in recent years:
- Stunting: 39% of children
- Underweight: 23%
- Wasting: 9.6%
These figures remain unacceptably high and have long-term implications. Stunting affects brain development, reduces learning capacity, and limits the state’s human capital potential. Anemia in mothers increases the likelihood of anemic newborns, perpetuating cycles of poor health.
This is why CS-SUNN has been advocating for stronger political will and financing in Nasarawa. The latest commitments signal a turning point.
👉 Read the full Nasarawa Nutrition Fact Sheet here
₦250 Million CNF Approval
The Governor confirmed that ₦250 million has been approved as counterpart funding to UNICEF through the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF). This places Nasarawa among the few states in Nigeria demonstrating financial commitment to scale up life-saving nutrition interventions.
Dr. Kene Terfa, BOT member of CS-SUNN, expressed appreciation:
“On behalf of CS-SUNN, I want to thank you for approving the creation of nutrition departments across MDAs, the appointment of 34 nutritionists, and the approval of 250 million Naira for UNICEF counterpart funding.”
Backing for Six-Month Maternity Leave
The CS-SUNN team proposed the extension of maternity leave from three to six months, in line with global standards that support exclusive breastfeeding. The Governor agreed with the proposal and directed the Head of Service to present it formally at the next executive council meeting.
Sharing his personal conviction, the Governor said:
“My own children were on breastfeeding for at least 18 months. I encourage that we continue to give mothers and children that support.”
Support for Project ASPIRE Hub
The delegation also presented the Project ASPIRE proposal — a 10-hectare integrated hub that will combine sustainable agriculture, advanced training, cultural preservation, and world-class hospitality. Designed to address both nutrition and economic empowerment, the hub aims to showcase nutrition-sensitive agriculture, promote skills acquisition, and create value-added food systems.
The Governor welcomed the concept with enthusiasm and pledged to support it:
“We would be more than happy to give you land. It may not be the exact location you want, but we will provide a suitable site so the project can take off.”
Why These Commitments Matter
Each of the three commitments secured during the advocacy visit responds directly to the nutrition challenges facing Nasarawa State.
- ₦250 Million CNF Funding
The ₦250 million already approved as counterpart funding to UNICEF unlocks Nasarawa’s participation in the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF). This financing ensures the state can procure critical commodities such as Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), micronutrient powders, and fortified supplements. With most states yet to fulfill this obligation, Nasarawa’s action distinguishes it as one of the few investing concretely in nutrition. By making these funds available, the state strengthens its chances of reducing its current 39% stunting rate and addressing the 23% of children who are underweight. - Six-Month Maternity Leave
Extending maternity leave to six months will give mothers the opportunity to exclusively breastfeed their children for the recommended period. Exclusive breastfeeding has been proven to lower child mortality, reduce risks of stunting and wasting, and provide lifelong immunity benefits. In a state where 9.6% of children are wasted and nearly one in four is underweight, this policy change could make a measurable difference in early child survival and long-term health. It also sets a precedent for other states in Nigeria to adopt global best practices. - Project ASPIRE Hub
The ASPIRE Hub is envisioned as a world-class, 10-hectare integrated destination that connects agriculture directly with nutrition, skills, and livelihoods. At its core is a live Food and Nutrition Demonstration Farm showcasing climate-smart practices and priority crops such as sesame, rice, and yams, alongside biofortified options like orange-fleshed sweet potato to improve household diets. A modern agro-processing pavilion will demonstrate how farmers can move from raw production to higher-value outputs such as sesame oil, yam flour, and fruit-based products, strengthening both income and nutrition outcomes. The hub will also feature a Conference and Training Institute to scale farmer education and youth agribusiness incubation, while a Cultural Heritage Village ensures local identity and community participation are preserved. By weaving these components into one ecosystem, ASPIRE addresses the structural causes of malnutrition, builds human capital, and positions Nasarawa as a regional leader in nutrition-sensitive agro-tourism.
Dr. Kene reinforced the urgency:
“Stunting affects the brain development of a child. If we do not address it, we may not have the human resources we need in the future.”
Who Was in the Room
Nasarawa State Government:
- Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa – Chairman, House Committee on Health
- Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Peter Akwe – Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Hon. Hudu A. Hudu – Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation
- Barr. Abigail Waya – Head of Service
- Mr. Polinus Felix Wahe – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning
- Mr. Osama Isa Abdul – Director, Planning and Statistics
- Halima Yusuf – State Nutrition Officer
CS-SUNN Delegation:
- Mr. Sodangi Chindo – Steering Committee Chairman, Head of Delegation
- Dr. Kene Terfa – BOT Member, Presenter
- Mr. Peters Olushola – Communications Manager
- Mr. Kingsley Ohaa – Admin Officer
- Mr. Aboki Jonah – State Chapter Coordinator
- Mrs. Aisha Eyibo – Member, CS-SUNN Nasarawa
- Mrs. Enareroje Augustina – Member, CS-SUNN Nasarawa
The Way Forward
The meeting sets the stage for important next steps:
- The Head of Service will table the six-month maternity leave proposal for formal approval.
- The State Government will identify and allocate a site for the ASPIRE Hub.
- CS-SUNN will continue to work with MDAs and the 34 state nutritionists to ensure timely release and effective use of nutrition funds.
With these commitments, Nasarawa has shown that it is ready to lead by example in tackling malnutrition and investing in the future of its children.
