Shettima Pushes Universal Child Benefit to Tackle Poverty, Protect Children
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for the introduction of a Universal Child Benefit to help tackle multidimensional poverty and improve the welfare of children across Nigeria, particularly in the North-West region.
Shettima made the call at the High-Level North-West Policy Dialogue in Kano State, where he was represented by Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin.
He said poverty goes beyond a lack of income and includes deprivation in education, healthcare, nutrition, and opportunities for children and families. According to him, more than eight million Nigerian children remain out of school, posing a serious threat to the country’s future development.
The Vice President said a Universal Child Benefit would provide predictable financial support to families, improve school enrolment, strengthen child nutrition, and reduce pressures that expose children to labour, early marriage, and persistent poverty.
He also called for a reliable social register, transparent payment systems, and stronger collaboration between federal and state governments.
Also speaking, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, urged leaders to confront the realities of poverty, poor education, and weak human development indicators in the region.
Meanwhile, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, stressed that lasting progress requires stronger implementation, increased domestic financing, private sector investment, and broader partnerships to support children and families.
