Kano Opens Investigation Into Illegal Sale of Life-Saving Food for Vulnerable Children

The Kano State Government has inaugurated an 18-member committee to investigate the alleged diversion, theft, and unauthorised sale of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) procured for the treatment of malnourished children across the state.

The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health’s Public Relations Officer, Nabilusi Abubakar.

Speaking during the inauguration, the commissioner said the committee was established to uncover the circumstances surrounding the reported diversion of the life-saving nutritional products and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

He explained that the committee has been tasked with investigating the alleged diversion of the therapeutic food, identifying individuals or groups involved, including any collaborators among health workers, private traders, and community members, and determining the quantity and estimated value of the missing supplies.

The panel is also expected to recommend appropriate administrative, disciplinary, and corrective actions, as well as submit its findings to the government within 14 days.

Dr. Yusuf disclosed that the Kano State Government invested more than N500 million in procuring the RUTF products to support the treatment of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. He stressed that the commodities were intended solely for vulnerable children and were never meant for commercial distribution.

“It is deeply disturbing that some unpatriotic individuals allegedly diverted the nutritional supplements for personal gain by selling them in open markets, thereby denying malnourished children access to critical treatment,” he said.

The commissioner warned that the government would not tolerate any action capable of undermining public health interventions and vowed that all those found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

The committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Pharmacist Aminu Bashir, while the Director of Administration and General Services, Alhaji Naziru Tanko Kyaure, will serve as secretary.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Bashir assured the state government of a thorough, transparent, and professional investigation.

“We will leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth and protecting public resources meant for the health and well-being of our children,” he said.