The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has emphasized the crucial role of journalists in monitoring government budgets and expenditures related to children's welfare. This call to action was made during a one-day Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children, organized by the Bauchi State Government in collaboration with UNICEF's Bauchi Field Office. The event aimed to enhance public financing for children and gathered journalists from Bauchi, Gombe, and Plateau states.

UNICEF's Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, represented by Education Specialist Abdulrahman Ado, highlighted the necessity for the media to go beyond merely reporting political promises and budget allocations. She urged journalists to track the release and utilization of funds, as well as the tangible impacts of government programs on children's lives. Rafique stated, "Journalists have an important role to play in improving government budgets, ensuring timely release of funds and monitoring programmes targeting children and women."

The dialogue underscored the pressing issues facing children in Nigeria, including high rates of out-of-school children, malnutrition, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to clean water and sanitation. Rafique called for non-partisan reporting that focuses on children's rights and government commitments rather than political affiliations.

UNICEF Social Policy Specialist Yusuf Auta stressed the importance of investing in children from conception through childhood, advocating for better funding for maternal and newborn healthcare. He urged journalists to follow the budget process closely, ensuring that government commitments lead to improved services for children. Auta remarked, "It is not enough to report that money has been allocated; the media should find out whether the money was released, how it was spent and what results were achieved."

Dr. Ali Dankumo presented a framework for media accountability, urging journalists to make children's issues a central focus during political campaigns. He encouraged them to scrutinize candidates' manifestos and demand clear proposals on critical issues such as education, healthcare, and child protection. Dankumo noted that every promise affecting children should be accompanied by specific questions regarding funding sources and implementation timelines.

The Managing Director of the Bauchi Radio Corporation, Umar Shira, echoed these sentiments, insisting that the media must advocate for better policies and increased investment in children's health. He emphasized that responsible reporting and investigative journalism are essential for exposing funding gaps and holding government accountable. Shira stated, "When we finance children’s health today, we secure a healthier, stronger and more productive generation tomorrow."

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the dialogue served as a timely reminder of the media's responsibility to engage with political candidates on issues affecting children. Rafique urged journalists to maintain professionalism and neutrality, focusing on public interest rather than partisan politics. She reiterated the need for the media to ensure that children's welfare remains a priority in government policies and budgets, stating, "We cannot address all the problems of Nigeria, but we need to advocate for the government to allocate more resources."

The Media Dialogue on Public Financing for Children aimed to equip journalists with the necessary tools and information to effectively track government budgets and their impacts on children's lives, fostering a more informed and engaged media landscape in Nigeria.