Governor Uba Sani Vows to Strengthen Social Protection as a Tool for Poverty Reduction

Governor Uba Sani has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to social protection as a transformative tool for poverty reduction, equity, and resilience in Kaduna State.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day workshop in Zaria, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna Social Investment Protection Agency (KADSIPA), Alhaji Sani Maikudi, emphasized the importance of constantly reviewing policies to ensure they meet the evolving needs of citizens.

A Progressive Approach to Social Protection

The workshop, organized by KADSIPA in collaboration with UNICEF, aimed to review and refine the Kaduna State Social Protection Policy, originally developed in 2020. The policy undergoes a mandatory three-year review cycle to incorporate:

• Global best practices

• Emerging social and economic challenges

• Innovative solutions for vulnerable populations

Alhaji Maikudi noted that Governor Sani’s administration prioritizes inclusivity and ensures that social protection policies directly impact the lives of those in need.

Stakeholder Support and Collaboration

The event drew participation from:

• UNICEF’s Social Policy Officer, Wakidara Mavis Akila, who commended Kaduna State’s commitment to sustainable social protection and reaffirmed UNICEF’s continued support.

• Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Coordinator, Malam Muhammad Shehu Danhassan, who praised civil society engagement in social welfare programs.

• Summaya Abdullahi Hussein, Citizens Co-Chair of the OGP Technical Working Group, who urged KADSIPA to strengthen implementation strategies to ensure that social protection measures effectively reach target beneficiaries.

“We must ensure that what is written on paper is reflected in the lives of vulnerable families,” she emphasized.

Enhancing Social Protection for Sustainable Development

The Kaduna State Government is integrating Human-Centered Design (HCD) into its social protection policies, ensuring that:

• Beneficiaries play a key role in decision-making.

• Programs are tailored to specific community needs.

• Social protection interventions are sustainable and effective.

A Vision for a More Inclusive Kaduna

With continued stakeholder engagement and government commitment, Governor Uba Sani’s administration is positioning social protection as a pillar for economic stability, equity, and resilience in Kaduna State.

By strengthening governance structures, fostering collaboration, and refining policies, Kaduna is setting a national example for effective social investment programs.