The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has advised the Sokoto State Government to provide domestic funding to facilitate the enrolment of 3,040 communities into the National Social Register.The UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Dr Michael Juma, made the call during a two-day capacity-building training for members of the newly established Sokoto State Social Protection Steering Committee in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting, supported by the European Union (EU) and UNICEF, brought together representatives from social sector departments, including commissioners and permanent secretaries.
Juma, represented by Social Policy Specialist, Malam Isah Ibrahim, described the meeting as crucial for expanding access to social protection programmes among poor and vulnerable households across Sokoto State.
He said the initiative would provide opportunities for vulnerable households to access social protection programmes from federal, state and development partners, supporting efforts to lift them out of poverty.
Juma said the meeting was part of efforts to strengthen social protection strategies and address the pressing challenge of child poverty affecting vulnerable households and communities across the state.
He commended the Sokoto State Government for its proactive approach to reviewing, approving and implementing the revised social protection policy, describing the development as a significant step forward.
Juma said the progress recorded since the policy was initially approved in 2022, highlighting its positive impact on communities and vulnerable households across the state.
The UNICEF Chief also lauded the EU’s investment through its Sustainable Social Protection Investment project, which supported refinement of the policy and expansion of the social register.
“This crucial step will open avenues for poor and vulnerable households to access essential social protection programmes from federal, state, and development partners, ultimately supporting their journey out of poverty,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Bashir Achida, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to presenting the revised State Social Protection Draft Policy to the State Executive Council.
Achida said the presentation would be made under the leadership of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu, ahead of the upcoming general election, to advance implementation of the revised social protection framework.
“This collaboration spurred a strong commitment from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to establish a dedicated social protection department that aligns with the revised draft policy,” Achida said.
The commissioner sought further collaboration with the EU and UNICEF to support comprehensive capacity-building initiatives for state actors implementing effective shock-responsive social protection and livelihood programmes.
According to him, the committee also needed UNICEF’s assistance in developing a costed implementation plan outlining resources required to address poverty among vulnerable households through the revised policy.
“All these efforts are in line with the state’s ambitious nine-point Smart Development Agenda.
“The committee acknowledged the EU’s efforts in expanding the social register, enhancing access to social protection programmes for additional impoverished households in the future,” he added.(NAN)
