Every naira invested in social protection will count

Kaduna holds technical session to strengthen monitoring framework

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

Every naira invested in social protection in Kaduna State will count, Barrister Bridget Sulaiman, Special Adviser on Social Protection Programmes to Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has said.

Social protection is a set of policies and programmes designed to reduce poverty, vulnerability, and social exclusion by providing support like cash transfers, health insurance, pensions, food support, and other safety nets to individuals and households, especially the poor and vulnerable.

Sulaiman spoke on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the opening of a three-day technical session for the development of a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework for social protection programmes, organised by the Kaduna State Government in collaboration with the Partnership for AGILE Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), at a hotel in Kano.

She emphasised the centrality of evidence-based planning and accountability in delivering meaningful interventions to citizens, especially the vulnerable.

“Our ability to design, deliver, and scale social protection interventions depends on the strength of our evidence-based work.

“His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, remains deeply committed to ensuring that social protection is not just an aspiration but a reality for every citizen,” she said.

She explained that the state has adopted a structured monitoring and evaluation framework to systematically track progress, assess outcomes, and ensure transparency in programme delivery.

“When we succeed—and succeed we must—we will not only improve reporting systems, we will strengthen the trust between government and citizens.

“Every naira invested in social protection must bring measurable returns in human dignity, resilience, and sustainable development,” Sulaiman noted.

Also speaking, Mr Sani Ashiru, State Team Lead of PACE, stressed the need for a multi-sectoral approach to social protection, particularly in addressing climate-related challenges such as flooding, agricultural vulnerabilities, and health risks.

He pointed out that without proper tracking tools, it would be difficult for the government to measure the resources spent or the impact achieved in supporting vulnerable populations.

“Unless you have the right tracking system, it will be difficult to bring all support measures under one framework.

“That is why this technical session is important—to help Kaduna State expand opportunities for its people through coordinated, evidence-based action,” Ashiru said.

He further highlighted that PACE, building on its predecessor programmes, is committed to seeing projects through to completion, assuring stakeholders that the framework will be fully developed and implemented within the planned timeline.

The technical session brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, consultants, and civil society representatives, to strengthen Kaduna’s capacity for data-driven, people-centred social protection delivery.