Gombe, UNICEF Target Children, Women In Planned Social Protection Policy

The Gombe State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF, has concluded a three-day workshop to develop a costed implementation and monitoring framework for the state’s Social Protection Policy, aimed at improving the welfare of women, children and other vulnerable groups.

The workshop, held in Jos from August 4 to 6, brought together officials from relevant ministries, departments and agencies, development partners, and civil society organisations to produce a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) plan that will guide the implementation of the policy.

The framework is expected to strengthen coordination among stakeholders, enhance accountability, track progress, measure outcomes and support evidence-based decision-making throughout the policy’s implementation.

Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Micah Sunday Hamman, described the exercise as a major step towards building a more inclusive and resilient society, stressing that social protection is not merely a welfare programme but a strategic investment in human capital development, poverty reduction and sustainable economic growth.

He said the workshop was designed to produce a practical, results-driven implementation plan backed by a robust monitoring and evaluation system to support resource mobilisation, accountability and effective service delivery.

UNICEF Social Protection Specialist, Dr. Yusuf Auta, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the lives of women and children, describing them as central to sustainable development.

He stressed the need to invest in young people through education, skills development and opportunities, noting that they represent the future drivers of national development.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Jalo Ibrahim Ali, said the implementation period of the Social Protection Policy had been revised from four years to three years to align with Gombe State’s 10-Year Development Plan.

He added that the alignment would improve planning, resource allocation and policy coordination, while disclosing that the state is preparing for a mid-term review of the long-term development plan to assess achievements, identify gaps and refine implementation strategies.

The workshop featured technical presentations, group sessions and plenary discussions that identified priority interventions, estimated funding requirements and developed measurable indicators for implementing the social protection policy.