The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening social protection policies and programmes aimed at reducing poverty and improving the welfare of vulnerable residents.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development, Dr Bashir Achida, gave the assurance during a one-day policy dialogue on social protection financing with chairmen of the 23 local government areas in the state, on Wednesday.

The meeting, held at Sokoto Guest Inn, Sokoto, focused on strategies for financing and implementing social protection interventions across the state.

Achida disclosed that the ministry had developed a social protection policy document to guide the implementation of programmes and identify priority areas requiring government intervention.

He said the document would provide a framework for effective interventions to reduce poverty and vulnerability in line with Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s Nine-Point SMART Agenda.

“Social protection has come to stay in Sokoto State and Nigeria at large. We must therefore rise to the occasion and work collectively to ensure that our people enjoy a life of dignity,” the commissioner said.

He described the dialogue as an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop innovative approaches to improving the state’s socio-economic development.

Achida emphasised the importance of local governments in implementing social protection programmes, noting that sustainable development must begin at the grassroots.

He commended the 23 local government chairmen for their commitment and appreciated the European Union, UNICEF and other development partners for their technical and financial support, particularly for child survival and social protection initiatives.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Sokoto State, Alhaji Abba Shehu Tambuwal, pledged that the councils would make budgetary provisions for social protection interventions.

Tambuwal assured the state government and development partners of the chairmen’s support for the effective implementation of the initiatives.

He also commended Achida for his commitment to improving the state’s economy.

Similarly, UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Malam Isah Ibrahim, disclosed that Sokoto was among four states receiving European Union support for social protection interventions.

He said the EU had shown particular interest in Sokoto because of the commitment demonstrated by the state governor, the Sultanate and local government chairmen.

“The EU believes Sokoto State has the potential to become a model that other states can visit to learn from its social protection initiatives,” Ibrahim said.

He further revealed that the EU was considering increasing its financial investment in Nigeria in 2027, with Sokoto among the states being considered for additional support.

Ibrahim commended the state government and the 23 local government areas for creating a conducive environment for development partners to implement their programmes.