By Ijeoma Agbafo
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a high-powered committee to investigate the alleged unauthorised sale and diversion of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a specialised nutritional product used in the treatment of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf by the Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Labaran. He said the panel was established to determine how the diversion occurred, identify those responsible, and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
According to Labaran, the committee is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged diversion, identify possible collaborators among health workers, private traders and community members, and determine the quantity and value of the missing commodities. The panel is also mandated to recommend appropriate administrative, disciplinary and corrective measures and submit its report within 14 days.
The commissioner disclosed that the state government spent more than ₦500 million procuring the therapeutic food for vulnerable children. He described the alleged diversion as disturbing, noting that the products were intended solely for medical intervention and not for commercial sale. He warned that anyone found guilty of undermining public health programmes would face the full weight of the law.
The 19-member committee is chaired by Aminu Bashir and includes representatives of security agencies, the Emirate Council and Ward Development Committees from Dawakin Tofa, Wudil, Rano and Bichi zones. Alhaji Naziru Kyaure, Director of Administration and General Services in the ministry, will serve as secretary. Bashir assured the government that the committee would conduct its assignment with diligence, transparency and professionalism.
