High cost of neglect: Why Lagos must invest in child nutrition now
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readStakeholders at a CS-SUNN media engagement have called on the Lagos State government to prioritize nutrition financing to address high rates of childhood undernutrition. Despite the state's economic status, current budget allocations and poor performance rates are failing to meet the massive financial requirements for treating severe acute malnutrition.
Context & Background
- ✦The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2023–24 reports high stunting and wasting rates among Lagos children, indicating a disconnect between the state's economic strength and child health outcomes.
- ✦Inadequate budget releases and poor utilization of funds are identified as major barriers to effective nutrition interventions, leaving over 200,000 children vulnerable.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•Ambrose Evhoesor (CS-SUNN Senior Programme Officer) noted that treating one child with severe acute malnutrition costs approximately N250,000.•Taiwo Fadairo (State Nutrition Officer, Lagos State Ministry of Health) emphasized the need for maternal nutrition and breastfeeding support.•The estimated total treatment cost for affected children in Lagos is N47 billion, against an allocation of N596 million.
Outlook & Next Steps
Advocates are pushing for increased legislative scrutiny, timely fund releases, and the utilization of the Child Nutrition Fund to attract matching contributions from development partners.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- Lagos State faces a significant nutrition crisis, with 17.3 percent stunting, six percent wasting, and 14.3 percent underweight prevalence among children under five.
- There is a massive funding gap in Lagos, where the estimated cost to treat children with severe acute malnutrition is N47 billion, while allocations remain significantly lower.
- Budget performance for nutrition in Lagos has been inconsistent, fluctuating from 81.5 percent in 2024 to approximately 10 percent in 2025.
Key Facts:2023: Lagos State allocated approximately N321 million to nutrition in 2023 with a 13 percent budget performance.2024: The budget performance for nutrition improved to 81.5 percent in 2024.2025: The 2025 nutrition allocation was approximately N309 million, with a reported budget performance of about 10 percent.
Editorial Excerpt
By Chioma Obinna For a mother struggling to earn a living in one of Lagos’ underserved communities, feeding her child is a daily battle. She may sell beans and bread by the roadside, work long hours, and still struggle to provide meals that meet her child’s nutritional needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
Why are the first 1,000 days of a child's life considered critical?
This period, from conception to a child's second birthday, is essential for brain development, physical growth, and long-term health.
What is the economic return on investing in nutrition in Lagos?
According to CS-SUNN’s investment case, every N1 invested in nutrition in Lagos could generate returns of approximately N2.79.
