Tinubu Administration Implementing Programmes to Strengthen Future of Nigerian Child — Shettima

Published By Ayshatu S Rabo On Jul 16, 2026

Tinubu Administration Implementing Programmes to Strengthen Future of Nigerian Child — Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has outlined several programmes and initiatives being implemented by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure a safer and more prosperous future for Nigerian children.

Shettima stated this on Thursday in Abuja when he received a delegation from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), led by its Executive Director, Catherine Russell, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.

The Vice President said the administration recognised the urgent need to invest in Nigeria’s youthful population and ensure that every child had access to opportunities capable of helping them realise their potential.

According to him, the government inherited significant economic and social challenges, making partnerships with trusted development institutions such as UNICEF essential to addressing issues affecting the wellbeing and future of Nigerian children.

Shettima listed the Nutrition 774 Initiative, Renewed Hope Child Support Programme, Nigeria 2050 Child Foresight Analysis, Generation Unlimited Nigeria and the National Human Capital Development Programme among the key interventions being implemented by the administration.

He said the Nutrition 774 Initiative was designed to strengthen nutrition governance across all 774 local government areas in the country, noting that more than N7.6 billion had already been mobilised in child nutrition fund matching investments.

The Vice President also disclosed that the Nigeria 2050 Child Foresight Analysis, supported by UNICEF, was helping to institutionalise long-term planning in public policy, with focus on education, climate resilience and youth livelihoods.

On Generation Unlimited Nigeria, Shettima said efforts were underway to institutionalise the partnership and connect 20 million Nigerian youths to livelihood opportunities by 2030.

He added that the National Human Capital Development Programme was targeting Nigeria’s advancement into the world’s top 80 countries on the Human Capital Index by 2030 through integrated investments in health, nutrition, foundational learning and employment opportunities.

“These initiatives reflect the convictions of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a leader who understands that the quality of tomorrow is determined by the investments we make in children today,” Shettima said.

The Vice President further highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to the Universal Child Benefit programme, noting that President Tinubu had declared 2026 the Year of Family and Social Protection.

He said the Renewed Hope Baby Support Initiative would serve as the implementation mechanism, adding that governors in the North-West had already expressed commitment to the programme, while Lagos State was set to commence implementation.

Shettima commended UNICEF for its continued support to Nigeria, describing the organisation as a dependable partner in advancing the welfare and development of children across the country.

Earlier, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell commended President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for implementing structural reforms aimed at expanding opportunities for Nigerian children.

Russell reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to remaining a long-term strategic partner to Nigeria, particularly in expanding access to healthcare, education and social protection.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, also praised the collaboration between Nigeria and UNICEF, noting that the organisation supports the country in several areas, including vaccine procurement and technical assistance to relevant institutions.

He assured that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen its partnership with UNICEF to improve the wellbeing of Nigerian children.