By danivert
Copyright thesun
From Isaac Anumihe and Olileanya Ezekwesiri, Abuja
Federal Government has commenced nutrition budget tagging aimed at allocating proper resources to areas that desire food more.
The project which is done in collaboration with Senegal is expected to be transparent, accountable and efficient.
According to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, nutrition budget tagging is about transparent, accountable, and efficient distribution of resources to places of need.
It also allows governments to track allocations, releases, and expenditures; identify gaps against national nutrition plans, and ensure resources reach those most in need.
The project provides an evidence base for domestic resource mobilisation as well as build public trust and ensure scarce resources are deployed to strengthen human capital development.
Speaking during a session in Abuja Senegalese delegation and Technical Advisor for Finance and Budget to the Prime Minister, Mr. Mamoudou Niang, said that practical exercises showed how tagging strengthens policy dialogue, on-budget donor alignment, and results-based financing.
“The exchange visit was designed to strengthen the technical and strategic capacity of Semi-Gandali officials through pairing with Nigeria institutions on nutrition budget targeting and tracking. It focuses on understanding Nigerian framework, practical methods for classifying nutrition sensitive expenditure; integrating and budgeting system” he said.
The delegation visited Kano State to see nutrition budget tagging and tracking in action at the sub-national level, with exchanges on integration into state planning. They were joined by Kaduna and Katsina state teams.
A visit with the Kano Emirate Health and Nutrition Committee provided a socio-cultural perspective on Nigeria’s nutrition efforts and the role of community and traditional leadership in domestic resource mobilisation advocacy.
“The exchange reflects a shared West African commitment to advancing nutrition financing as a driver of human capital and jobs.
Nigeria and Senegal are together shaping a regional model of transparency, accountability, and impact in nutrition financing” Niang said.
