(Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf. Photo by Tribune Online)
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) meant for treating malnourished children across the state.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, Nabilusi Abubakar.
According to the statement, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Yusuf, inaugurated the committee on behalf of Governor Abba Yusuf.
Inaugurating the committee, the commissioner explained that it was constituted to uncover the facts surrounding the reported diversion of the life-saving nutritional commodities and ensure that those found culpable are held accountable.
He said the committee has been mandated to investigate the alleged diversion, establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify responsible individuals or groups, including possible collaborators among health workers, private traders, and community members, as well as determine the quantity and estimated value of the missing products.
The commissioner added that the committee is also expected to recommend appropriate administrative, disciplinary, and corrective measures, offer further recommendations where necessary, and submit its findings within 14 days of inauguration.
He disclosed that the state government had spent over N500 million procuring the RUTF products to support the treatment of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, stressing that the commodities were intended solely for vulnerable children and not for commercial purposes.
He expressed concern that some individuals allegedly diverted the supplies for personal gain by selling them in open markets, thereby denying malnourished children access to critical treatment, and warned that the government would not tolerate any act undermining public health interventions, vowing that all those involved would face the full weight of the law.
The 18-member committee is chaired by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Pharmacist Aminu Bashir, with the Director of Administration and General Services, Alhaji Naziru Tanko Kyaure, serving as secretary.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the chairman assured the state government that members would carry out their responsibilities with diligence, transparency, and professionalism, pledging that no stone would be left unturned in uncovering the truth and safeguarding public resources meant for children’s welfare.