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The Sokoto state government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening social protection policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development, Dr. Bashir Muhammad Achida, stated this at a one-day Policy Dialogue on Social Protection Financing with the 23 Local Government Chairmen, held at Sokoto Guest Inn, Sokoto.
Dr. Achida disclosed that the ministry has developed a Social Protection Policy Document to guide the implementation of social protection programmes across the state.
According to him, the document provides essential tools for identifying priority areas and ensuring effective implementation of interventions aimed at reducing poverty and vulnerability, in line with the Nine-Point SMART Agenda of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.
He described the dialogue as a valuable platform for cross-fertilisation of ideas that would enrich government efforts through new innovations to enhance overall development of the state.
“Social protection has come to stay in Sokoto State and Nigeria at large. We must therefore rise to the occasion and work collectively to ensure that our people enjoy a life of dignity,” he said.
The commissioner emphasised that local governments are the backbone of every society, noting that socio-economic development begins at the grassroots where they play a critical role.
He commended the 23 local government chairmen for their commitment and appreciated the EU, UNICEF and other development partners for their sustained technical and financial support, especially in child survival and social protection.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Sokoto state chapter, Alhaji Abba Shehu Tambuwal, assured of the readiness of council chairmen to create budget lines for social protection interventions in their annual budgets.
He further pledged their unalloyed support for effective implementation of the initiatives and praised the commissioner for his commitment to revamping the state’s economy.
Speaking, the UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Malam Isah Ibrahim, revealed that Sokoto is among four states currently receiving EU support for social protection interventions, adding that the EU has shown particular interest in the state due to the commitment demonstrated by the governor, the Sultanate and local government chairmen.
“The EU believes Sokoto State has the potential to become a model that other states can visit to learn from its social protection initiatives,” he said.
Malam Isah disclosed that the EU is considering increased financial investment in Nigeria in 2027, with Sokoto among the states being considered for additional support.
The social policy specialist to this end, commended the state government and the 23 LGAs for providing a conducive environment for development partners to operate.
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