The Federal Government has unveiled a child-centred National Development Plan (NDP) 2026–2030, prioritising children’s welfare in national planning, budgeting, and economic growth strategies.
Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, disclosed this at the FGN/United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) annual partners meeting, in Abuja on Friday.
Uzoka-Anite said that the plan marked the first time in decades that children were placed at the core of Nigeria’s national development framework.
She said that with UNICEF’s support, the ministry had strengthened its capacity to deliver impactful outcomes for children nationwide.
The minister highlighted progress following the nutrition 774 Initiative and the revised National Social Protection Policy.
According to her, the policy aims to reduce poverty, expand social safety nets, and improve public financial management across states.
“Investing in children is both a moral duty and a strategic economic priority.
“The government is integrating child-focused priorities into budgets, sector plans, and performance frameworks.
“We envision a Nigeria where every child can reach full potential,” she said.
Uzoka-Anite said that children remained central to building a one trillion dollar economy.
UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, reaffirmed the fund’s commitment to vulnerable populations and efficient resource deployment.
Saeed stressed the need to strengthen safety systems and discourage unsustainable investments.
She encouraged young people to actively shape the nation’s future as critical development partners.
Dr Deborah Odoh, the Permanent Secretary (PS), Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, highlighted achievements under the nutrition and WASH convergence programme launched in 2025.
Odoh said that the initiative spanned 200 communities across four states, integrating nutrition, sanitation, and education interventions.
She said that early results showed a 15 per cent drop in open defecation and improved girls’ school attendance.
Odoh said that the 2025 Multiple Indicator cluster survey provided baseline data for implementing the NDP.
She said that efforts were ongoing to strengthen national data systems for evidence-based policymaking.
Odoh said that the plan aligned with the government’s activities with the SDGs and African Union Agenda 2063, prioritising child welfare outcomes.
