Jigawa State Government Pledges Continuation of Social Protection Initiatives Following Program Conclusion
The Jigawa State Government has made a firm commitment to sustain inclusive social protection initiatives following the official close-out of the Inclusive Social Protection Systems programme. This significant program was implemented by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in collaboration with Action Against Hunger Nigeria (ACF), marking a substantial investment in the welfare of vulnerable populations across the state.
Government Assurance of Program Sustainability
Speaking at the close-out ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Muhammad Sagir, who represented members of the State Social Protection Council, expressed profound appreciation for Action Against Hunger Nigeria's extensive support. He provided concrete assurances that the government would maintain and build upon the program's achievements, emphasizing that essential institutional structures have already been established to ensure continuity.
"We commend Action Against Hunger for strengthening our social protection programmes across 21 different agencies throughout Jigawa State," Sagir stated. "As a direct result of this collaboration, the lives of thousands of vulnerable individuals have seen measurable improvement across all 27 local government areas within our state."
Sagir further reiterated the current administration's unwavering dedication to enhancing citizen welfare, with particular focus on the most vulnerable segments of society. "The government will do everything within its power to sustain this critical effort, as we remain fundamentally committed to improving the quality of life for all our citizens, especially those facing the greatest challenges," he added with emphasis.
Transition to State Ownership and Institutional Reform
In his closing remarks, Mr. Andualem Fekadu, the Acting Country Director of Action Against Hunger Nigeria, framed the program's conclusion not as a termination but as a strategic transition toward greater state ownership and community-driven action. He explained that this close-out represents a deliberate shift from externally supported implementation to institutionalized reforms designed to endure beyond donor funding cycles.
"This moment represents not an ending, but a meaningful transition—towards deeper state ownership, community-led initiatives, and sustainable reforms that can persist long after any single grant period concludes," Fekadu articulated.
He detailed how the program has significantly strengthened inclusive social protection practices, enabling various stakeholders to more effectively identify and address the specific needs of vulnerable groups. These groups include persons with disabilities, older citizens, women, and other marginalized populations who often face systemic barriers to social services.
Program Achievements and Lasting Impact
The intervention has also empowered civil society organizations, community advocates, and media representatives with enhanced skills and practical tools to influence policy development, monitor program delivery, and promote inclusive reforms. According to Fekadu, the project substantially improved evidence-based decision-making through upgraded data systems, sophisticated analysis capabilities, and responsive feedback mechanisms, thereby strengthening both the targeting precision and responsiveness of social protection interventions.
Fekadu attributed the program's notable success to the Jigawa State Government's demonstrated political will and sustained commitment, alongside robust collaboration among all stakeholders. He highlighted several key success factors, including effective coordination through the Technical Working Group (TWG) and the Social Protection Council, active community participation at grassroots levels, and strong partnerships among ACF, FCDO, various government agencies, and civil society organizations.
"As we formally close this grant, we celebrate not an ending, but a continuation of shared responsibility," Fekadu concluded. "Together, we have successfully laid a solid foundation for institutional transformation that will continue to develop and expand through the ongoing commitment of all stakeholders involved in this vital work."
