The Niger State Government in North-Central Nigeria has announced that it is providing training for its Directors of Planning, Research, and Statistics (DPRS) on how to develop realistic budgets that effectively address the needs of the poor and vulnerable populations within the state.
This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary of the State Planning Commission, Hajia Aisha Usman, during the opening of a three-day workshop organized by the Commission in collaboration with UNICEF, held in Minna, the capital of Niger State.
Hajia Usman explained that the training is designed to enhance the ability of DPRS officers to incorporate social protection priorities into the local government development plans.
She emphasized that the success of social protection programs relies on sound planning, adequate budgeting, proper monitoring, and regular evaluations. The workshop, she noted, would empower officials to prepare well-costed budgets, seek funding beyond government allocations, and set up effective monitoring systems to ensure accountability and tangible results.
UNICEF’s Social Policy Officer, Wakidara Akila, also spoke, urging participants to consistently include social protection in their budgets, highlighting its importance in poverty reduction.
Dr. Grace Atim from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs further reminded participants of the critical role local governments play in the planning, costing, and prioritization of social protection initiatives.
