The Sokoto State Government, in collaboration with the EU, UNICEF and the International Labour Organisation, is strengthening data governance for social protection programmes across the state.
The initiative is aimed at improving the effectiveness and delivery of social welfare programmes.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development, Dr Bashir Muhammad-Achida, stated this at a two-day workshop on Strengthening Data Governance for the Social Protection Management Information System (MIS) in Sokoto on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by the state government in collaboration with the EU, UNICEF and the ILO.
Muhammad-Achida reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building a robust and integrated MIS for effective implementation of social protection programmes.
He commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu for his commitment to inclusive governance and efforts to improve the welfare of vulnerable population in the state.
The commissioner also acknowledged the support of the ILO, UNICEF and the EU under the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria (SUSI) project.
He said the state government was implementing critical socio-economic interventions to address multidimensional poverty and build resilient communities.
Muhammad-Achida, however, warned that fragmented data could result in misplaced priorities, duplication of efforts and the exclusion of citizens most in need of government assistance.
He urged participants to treat the workshop as a critical planning exercise, noting that the tools and frameworks to be harmonised would influence future state budgets and guide the allocation of development investments to communities.
Other speakers at the workshop included the ILO Social Policy Specialist, Mr Dramane Batchabi; Project Manager of the EU SUSI project, Mr Emmanuel Danjuma; and ILO SUSI Project Officer, Mr. Benedict Oputa.
NAN reports that participants were drawn from state ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and social partners.
(NAN)
