Jigawa disability fund: Group demands stronger oversight

The Jigawa Social Protection Platform (JISOP) has urged Governor Umar Namadi to quickly establish a Social Protection Agency and pass supportive legislation to enhance social welfare programs in the state.

The group said the proposed agency and legal framework would ensure effective management and utilisation of the over N107 million Disability Fund domiciled with the Jigawa State Rehabilitation Board, raised through public appeals over the years.

JISOP appealed during an advocacy visit to the governor at the Government House, Dutse.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr Mustapha Umar said the platform was pushing for the speedy establishment of a Social Protection Agency, backed by laws to institutionalise standards for Social Protection (SP), Management Information System (MIS) and Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).

He noted that the move would enhance coordination, transparency and accountability in the implementation of programmes targeting Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), the elderly and other vulnerable groups.

“This is a high-level advocacy engagement supported by Action Against Hunger and funded by FCDO,” Umar said, adding that the platform had earlier consulted key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Ministries of Local Government, Justice, Budget and Economic Planning, Women Affairs, the State Youth Empowerment and Employment Agency, the Rehabilitation Board, SOCU and the State Assembly.

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According to him, JISOP’s membership cuts across civil society organisations, media practitioners, PWD associations, academia, ethnic minorities, women and youth groups, as well as trade unions.

He explained that the platform’s objectives include monitoring social protection programmes, advocating increased funding and policy implementation, scaling up interventions across the 27 local government areas, promoting gender inclusion and strengthening institutional capacity.

Umar commended the state government for its various interventions, revealing that no fewer than 43 social protection programmes are currently being implemented by different MDAs in the state.

“From our observation, there are over 43 social intervention projects handled by different ministries and agencies. Establishing a central agency with legal backing will reduce duplication and enhance efficiency and proper implementation,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the governor, Deputy Governor Engr. Aminu Usman Gumel lauded the initiative, describing it as a demonstration of foresight and commitment to the welfare of vulnerable citizens.

Gumel assured the delegation that their recommendations would be conveyed to the governor for consideration.

“This is a commendable observation. Jigawa is among the leading states in social protection interventions in Nigeria. I will brief the governor on your advice regarding the establishment of the agency, by the grace of God,” he said.