UNICEF urges media to track government spending on children

UNICEF is asking journalists to follow the money allocated for children all the way to the services children actually receive.

The appeal came during a one-day Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children organized by the Bauchi State Government and UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office. Journalists from Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau states attended the event, which formed part of UNICEF’s advocacy work on public financing for children.

The message went beyond reporting political promises or announcing budget allocations. Participants were urged to track whether funds were released, how they were used and whether government programs improved children’s lives. UNICEF’s Bauchi Chief of Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, represented by Education Specialist Abdulrahman Ado, said journalists had a role in pushing governments to prioritize children and vulnerable families.

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Journalists have an important role to play in improving government budgets, ensuring timely release of funds and monitoring programmes targeting children and women.

Rafique urged reporters to question political candidates about their plans for children, the cost of those plans and how proposed funding would reach vulnerable children and communities. She cited continuing concerns over children being out of school, malnutrition, weak healthcare services and limited access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.

UNICEF Social Policy Specialist Yusuf Auta said investment should begin during pregnancy and continue throughout childhood, including funding for maternal and newborn care. “Journalists need to track whether government commitments are translating into improved services for children. It is not enough to report that money has been allocated; the media should find out whether the money was released, how it was spent and what results were achieved,” he said. Dr. Ali Dankumo also called for children to become a central issue in political accountability and election campaigns.

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Journalists need to track whether government commitments are translating into improved services for children. It is not enough to report that money has been allocated; the media should find out whether the money was released, how it was spent and what results were achieved.