SOKOTO STATE GOVERNMENT, UNFPA STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP WITH HANDOVER OF FAMILY PLANNING COMMODITIES

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has formally handed over Family Planning Commodities to the Sokoto State Government as part of ongoing efforts to improve reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health services across the state.

The commodities were officially received on behalf of the Sokoto State Government by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, during a ceremony held on Friday, 24 July 2026.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar disclosed that the commodities were jointly procured by the Sokoto State Government and UNFPA following the release of Thirty Million Naira counterpart funding by the State Government.

He assured that the commodities would be distributed free of charge to intended beneficiaries across the state.

The Commissioner charged all implementing agencies to uphold a robust accountability framework and maintain accurate data to ensure that the commodities reach the intended beneficiaries.

He emphasized that transparency and effective monitoring remain critical to the success of the programme.

Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar commended the commitment of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, FCNA, to reducing maternal mortality through the timely release of the counterpart funding.

He also expressed appreciation to UNFPA for its continued collaboration and support in improving maternal and newborn health in Sokoto State.

The Commissioner further acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, development partners, and other stakeholders, noting that their sustained support continues to improve the state’s maternal and child health indicators on the national dashboard.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Muhammad Buhari Umar, commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for providing the leadership that has strengthened collaboration among the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, implementing agencies and development partners in advancing the health status of the people of Sokoto State.

While handing over the commodities, the UNFPA Lead in Sokoto State, Dr. Rabiatu Sageer, disclosed that the procured Family Planning Commodities are valued at Sixty Million Naira, with Thirty Million Naira provided as counterpart funding by the Sokoto State Government.

She applauded the commitment of the State Government, further demonstrated by the appropriation of One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira for family planning commodities in the 2026 budget.

Dr. Sageer assured that UNFPA would continue to strengthen its support by increasing investment in safe motherhood and newborn health programmes to save more lives across the state.

In his closing remarks, the Executive Secretary, Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SSPHCDA), Dr. Bilyaminu Yari Sifawa, described family planning as a vital intervention in reducing maternal mortality.

He assured stakeholders that the commodities would be distributed to health facilities across all the 23 Local Government Areas of the state and that adequate measures, including capacity building for healthcare workers, would be implemented to ensure proper utilization of the commodities.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services commended the unwavering commitment of the Sokoto State Government in ensuring a transparent procurement process.

He stated that the availability of the commodities would prevent stock-outs in health facilities and guarantee uninterrupted access to free family planning services for beneficiaries.

He also appreciated UNFPA for its transparency and continuous support, emphasizing the importance of family planning in empowering families, improving maternal health, and promoting healthy newborn outcomes.

In their separate goodwill messages, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, the Gates Foundation, Marie Stopes International and Family Planning Advocacy Group commended the Sokoto State Government and UNFPA for the initiative and called for sustained data-driven accountability to ensure efficient distribution and utilization of the commodities.

The ceremony was attended by the Honourable Special Adviser on Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Bello Marnona; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Health, Alhaji Ibrahim Haliru Dingyadi, mni; the Director General, SOCHEMA, Dr. Yusuf Abu Abdulkadir; the Director General, DMSMA, Perm. Sec. Umar Attahiru; the Executive SOSACA Muktar Isa Ilyasu, Executive Director, Health Services Management Board, Dr. Bello Abubakar Attahiru; Directors of the Ministry of Health, heads of relevant agencies, and development partners.
The handover marks another significant milestone in Sokoto State Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality family planning services, reducing maternal and newborn mortality, and strengthening the overall healthcare system through strategic partnerships with development partners.

Bashiru Garba
Public Relations Officer
Ministry for Health
Sokoto State