The Kano State Government KNSG has reiterated its commitment to strengthening and piloting comprehensive social protection programmes aimed at improving the well-being of poor and vulnerable children across the state.
This assurance was given by the Director General of the Kano State Social Protection Agency (KASPA), Dr. Fatima Abdul Abubakar, during a Social Protection Technical Working Group (TWG) Review Meeting held in Kano.
Dr. Fatima expressed the agency’s readiness to collaborate with key stakeholders, including the UNICEF Kano Field Office, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the media, to ensure the effective implementation of programmes targeting poverty reduction, child malnutrition, and related challenges.
She emphasised the importance of the universal child grant initiative, advocating for direct cash transfers to parents or caregivers—particularly those whose children are not enrolled in school as a way to alleviate multidimensional poverty.
“Children between the ages of one and eight need targeted support,” she said.
“Providing cash transfers through the state’s social register can significantly ease their suffering. We also propose establishing a task force to monitor the delivery of social services and ensure transparency and accountability in implementation.”
Also speaking at the meeting, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Planning and Budget, Abdulmumin Ladan Ajumawa, stated that the review session was necessary to enhance coordination among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) involved in social protection.
He explained that the review of the Kano State Social Protection Policy, which was introduced in 2021, is timely and important.
“This is a critical opportunity to identify gaps, reassess priorities, and integrate new strategies that will improve both implementation and coordination,”.
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his commitment to social protection, noting that the current administration is determined to ensure that all MDAs work in synergy to avoid duplication and maximise impact.
“Over the years, billions of naira have been invested in social protection programmes, but due to poor coordination, the outcomes have not matched the inputs. Our focus now is on achieving measurable outputs, outcomes, and long-term impact,” he added.
In his remarks, the Co-Chair of the CSOs, Comrade Salisu Yusuf, urged members of the Technical Working Group to monitor the implementation of programmes based on budgetary allocations and familiarise themselves with existing interventions to make meaningful contributions.
The two-day review meeting, supported by the UNICEF Kano Field Office, brought together civil servants from relevant MDAs and representatives of CSOs to evaluate progress, strategise for better outcomes, and contribute to the refinement of social protection policies in the state.