Misuse of nutrition commodities threatens lives of malnourished children — UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised the alarm over the widespread misuse and diversion of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) and other vital nutrition commodities in Boko Haram conflict-affected Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states in North-East Nigeria.

UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Mr. Joseph Senissie, disclosed this at a one-day stakeholder engagement in Maiduguri on Tuesday.

Senissie stressed that the malpractice is not limited to the three states but is becoming a national crisis.

“From our investigations, it’s evident that these critical nutrition products are being diverted far beyond the intended beneficiaries,” he said.

“What we are witnessing is not just mismanagement—it is sabotage against the most vulnerable children in Nigeria.”

Senissie condemned the trend where RUTF, designed to save severely malnourished children, is being sold or traded in markets or to unintended populations.

“This diversion is tantamount to facilitating the death of children, especially those in areas grappling with severe insecurity and displacement,” he added.

“We cannot continue to allow a lifeline for children in crisis to become a commodity for profit,” Senissie warned.

He called on security agencies, mothers, health workers, and transportation unions to prevent and expose perpetrators involved in this act.

Senissie cautioned mothers and health workers against selling the commodities, reminding them that donors are watching and may withdraw support if abuse continues. He also urged the media to raise awareness and hold actors accountable.

Senissie appreciated donor partners for their support in saving malnourished children’s lives. “These partners have kept hope alive for thousands of children. We cannot afford to let them down,” he said.

The meeting stressed the need for stronger accountability, better surveillance, and community sensitization to ensure nutrition commodities reach the most vulnerable children.

Stakeholders agree that swift action is needed to stem diversion and misuse before more lives are lost.

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