Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Plan International and additional international partners have reaffirmed their ongoing support for targeted interventions in the Bauchi State economy aimed at boosting development across key sectors. The team’s commitments were made during a five-day working visit to Bauchi and reflect a clear intention to sustain and expand collaborative development efforts in the state.
“Global Affairs Canada remains committed to supporting improvements in healthcare, education, agriculture, and the welfare of women, children, and youth.”
Arash Irantalah, Head of Development Cooperation at the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria, led the delegation of international donors and made these declarations during engagements with Bauchi stakeholders at the Emergency Operation Center.
GAC’s position underscores Canada’s strategic interest in Bauchi under its Africa strategy, positioning the state as a key partner for development investment and a model for scaling successful interventions.
Canada praised the Bauchi State Government for its proactive stance in health system strengthening, particularly after the emergency declaration in the health sector.
“Bauchi is a strong partner under Canada’s African strategy framework.”
The Canadian delegation noted that investment continuity is essential and that existing commitments must be overseen and built upon to yield long-term impact. Responding to this, Dr. Rownak Khan, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Nigeria, affirmed that UNICEF will maintain its focus on women, children and other vulnerable groups in Bauchi.
She highlighted that Bauchi is one of the first states to benefit from joint interventions designed to improve adolescent health, indicating that the state’s approach could serve as a blueprint for similar engagements elsewhere.
Dr. Khan drew attention to the state government’s allocation of 15 percent of its budget to health, calling the commitment evidence of sustainable planning and political resolve to ensure enduring returns on development investments.
“Strong political will is necessary to ensure long-term impact of Canada’s intervention.”
Bauchi’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, confirmed that the government has taken decisive steps to reposition the health sector, aligning spending with global benchmarks. The state has set aside significant funds as matching grants for nutrition programs, including a ₦300 million contribution to UNICEF-supported initiatives in 2025 and a planned ₦500 million grant in 2026.
Commissioners responsible for education and women’s affairs also acknowledged the value of international support in enhancing school nutrition programmes and tackling gender-based violence through awareness campaigns.
Officials from humanitarian and social development portfolios called for expanded backing to achieve Sustainable Development Goals in Bauchi, especially for persons with disabilities and other at-risk populations.
Across the board, the message from partners and the state government was clear: sustained cooperation, aligned priorities, and accountable investment are central to transformative economic and social progress in Bauchi.
