The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has called for the introduction of a Universal Child Benefit as part of efforts to tackle multidimensional poverty across the country, especially in the North-West region.
He made the call on Wednesday at the High-Level North-West Policy Dialogue held in Kano State, where he was represented by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin.
According to him, poverty is no longer just about lack of income, but about deprivation in education, health, nutrition, and opportunities for children and families.
“The child is the most honest measure of any society. When a child is hungry, the future is hungry. When a child is out of school, the nation is out of position; when a child is denied healthcare, the economy pays in weakened human capital,” he said.
He warned that over eight million children in Nigeria are still out of school, adding that the situation continues to threaten the country’s human capital development.
The Vice President said the proposed Universal Child Benefit would provide predictable financial support to families with children, helping to improve school enrolment, nutrition, and child welfare.
He noted that the policy would also reduce pressures that push children into labour, early marriage, and long-term poverty.
He also called for a reliable social register, transparent payment systems, and stronger coordination between federal and state governments to ensure effective delivery.
According to him, the North-West faces multiple challenges, including poverty, insecurity, displacement, and climate shocks, which make coordinated intervention even more urgent.
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