Kaduna Government Strengthens Social Protection to Support Vulnerable Communities

The Kaduna State Government, under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, has reaffirmed its commitment to social protection as a tool for poverty alleviation, equity, and resilience.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day workshop in Zaria, Sani Maikudi, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna Social Investment Protection Agency (KADSIPA), highlighted the administration’s focus on addressing the needs of underserved citizens.

“This workshop brings together key stakeholders to review and enhance Kaduna’s Social Protection Policy, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society receive adequate support,” Maikudi stated.

A Collaborative Effort for Impactful Policy Implementation

The event, organized in collaboration with UNICEF, featured contributions from various development partners, including:

• UNICEF Kaduna Field Office

• Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

• Open Governance Partnership (OGP)

• Kaduna Social Protection Accountability Coalition (KADSPAC)

• Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD)

In her goodwill message, Wakidara M. Akila, UNICEF Social Policy Officer, described the review as timely, particularly in light of climate change challenges affecting vulnerable communities.

“We commend the Kaduna State Government for its dedication to ensuring that social protection initiatives translate into real impact for families in need,” she stated.

Mainstreaming Human-Centered Design for Greater Effectiveness

Project Coordinator of GAIN, Muhammad S. Danhassan, emphasized the need to integrate Human-Centered Design (HCD) into social protection policies, ensuring that beneficiaries have a say in decisions that affect them.

Similarly, Summaya Abdullahi Hussein, Citizens Co-Chair of the OGP Technical Working Group, urged KADSIPA to strengthen implementation strategies to ensure that social protection measures benefit vulnerable families directly.

“We must move beyond policy papers and ensure that real, tangible benefits reach the people we aim to support,” she stressed.

A Vision for an Inclusive and Equitable Kaduna

Since the Kaduna Social Protection Policy was designed in 2020, it has undergone three-year reviews to incorporate global best practices and address emerging socio-economic challenges. This workshop served as a crucial step in enhancing the policy’s effectiveness and ensuring that every Kaduna resident has access to essential support systems.

With the Kaduna State Government’s renewed commitment to social investment and inclusivity, this initiative promises to strengthen the social safety net and improve the well-being of vulnerable populations across the state.

Governor Uba Sani’s administration continues to set the pace for proactive governance, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the state’s development journey.