By Usman Usman Garba
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a high-powered committee to investigate the alleged diversion, theft, and unauthorized sale of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) intended for the treatment of malnourished children across the state.
According to a statement issued to The Triumph by the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Nabilusi Abubakar K/Na’isa, the committee was inaugurated on behalf of the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the committee was established to uncover the facts surrounding the reported diversion of the life-saving nutritional commodities and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
Dr. Yusuf explained that the committee has been tasked with investigating the alleged diversion of RUTF, establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident, identifying individuals or groups responsible, including any collaborators among health workers, private traders, and community members—and determining the quantity and estimated value of the missing products.
He added that the committee is also expected to recommend appropriate administrative, disciplinary, and corrective measures, provide additional recommendations where necessary, and submit its report within 14 days from the date of inauguration.
The commissioner disclosed that the Kano State Government spent over N500 million on the procurement of the RUTF products to support the treatment of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
He stressed that the commodities were intended exclusively for vulnerable children and not for commercial purposes.
According to him, 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.
“The government will not tolerate any act capable of undermining public health interventions and will ensure that all those involved face the full weight of the law,” he said.
The committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Health, Pharmacist Aminu Bashir, and comprises 18 members drawn from relevant stakeholder groups, including security agencies, representatives of the Emirate Council, and Ward Development Committees from Dawakin Tofa, Wudil, Rano, and Bichi zones, among others.
The Director of Administration and General Services of the ministry, Alhaji Naziru Tanko Kyaure, will serve as secretary of the committee.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the chairman, Pharmacist Aminu Bashir, assured the government and the people of Kano State that members would discharge their responsibilities with diligence, transparency, and professionalism.
He pledged that no stone would be left unturned in uncovering the truth and safeguarding public resources meant for the wellbeing of children.