Sokoto govt reaffirms commitment to social protection

The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening social protection policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents.

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.

Achida disclosed that the ministry had developed a Social Protection Policy Document to guide the implementation of social protection programmes across the state.

He said the document provides tools for identifying priority areas and ensuring effective implementation of interventions aimed at reducing poverty and vulnerability, in line with Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto’s Nine-Point SMART Agenda.

The commissioner described the dialogue as a platform for the exchange of ideas and the introduction of innovations to strengthen government efforts towards the state’s overall development.

“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.

Achida emphasised the importance of local governments to societal development, noting that socio-economic progress begins at the grassroots, where councils play a critical role.

He commended the 23 local government chairmen for their commitment and appreciated the European Union (EU), UNICEF and other development partners for their sustained technical and financial support, particularly in child survival and social protection.

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In his remarks, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Sokoto State Chapter, Alhaji Abba Shehu Tambuwal, assured the state government that council chairmen were ready to create budget lines for social protection interventions in their annual budgets.

He also pledged their full support for the effective implementation of the initiatives and commended the commissioner for his commitment to revamping the state’s economy.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Malam Isah Ibrahim, said Sokoto was among four states receiving EU support for social protection interventions.

He added that the EU had shown particular interest in the state because of 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.

Ibrahim further disclosed that the EU was considering increasing its financial investment in Nigeria in 2027, with Sokoto among the states being considered for additional support.

He commended the state government and the 23 local government areas for providing a conducive environment for development partners to operate.