Shettima Backs NEDC Baby Scheme to Fix Identity, Healthcare Gaps

Vice President Kashim Shettima has endorsed the Renewed Hope Baby Support (RHBS) programme, describing it as a strategic national initiative to close child identity and healthcare gaps while advancing long-term human capital development.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a presentation by the management of the North East Development Commission led by Managing Director Mohammed Goni Alkali, Shettima said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of the Family and Social Protection.

He directed the Commission to work closely with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure seamless implementation and maximum impact of the programme nationwide.

Describing the RHBS as timely and far-reaching, the Vice President said it fits squarely within the North East Stabilisation and Development Masterplan, particularly its focus on building a peaceful society, healthy citizens and an educated population.

READ ALSO: FG Sets June 17 for Nationwide Digital TV Switch

Shettima noted that the initiative would directly benefit vulnerable families by linking children from birth to structured systems of identity registration, healthcare participation and future economic opportunities.

He added that the programme would also serve as a “strategic palliative,” helping to cushion the effects of ongoing economic reforms while reinforcing government’s commitment to social protection.

“The RHBS demonstrates that while difficult but necessary policies are being implemented, the welfare of Nigerians, especially women and children, remains a priority,” he said.

The Vice President further stated that the initiative would strengthen the role of the NEDC in delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda in the North East, describing it as a model of results-driven intervention expected from regional development commissions.

He disclosed that further details on the rollout and implementation strategy would be unveiled by the Presidency on May 27, 2026, to mark Children’s Day.

Earlier, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Regional Development in the Office of the Vice President, Mariam Masha, said Nigeria records about 7.6 million births annually, but less than half are registered within the first year.

She explained that the RHBS programme is designed as a structured national system to ensure every child is captured within formal identity and development frameworks from birth.

According to her, the initiative goes beyond conventional welfare programmes by providing milestone-based support that integrates identity inclusion, healthcare access and long-term human capital development.

Masha emphasised that the infrastructure and political backing for the programme are already in place, stressing that effective execution would be critical to achieving its objectives.