Kaduna partners UNICEF to develop comprehensive MEAL framework for social protection

From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government, with support from UNICEF, has embarked on developing a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework to strengthen the implementation of its Social Protection Policy.
This initiative, coordinated by the Kaduna Social Investment Programmes Agency (KADSIPA), marks a significant step toward ensuring that social protection interventions are transparent, impactful, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations.
Speaking at the workshop, held in Zaria, the Executive Secretary of KADSIPA, Umar Sani Maikudi, emphasized that a comprehensive MEAL framework will help the state track progress, identify gaps, and make evidence-based decisions to improve social protection coverage.
Represented by the Head of Partnership and Development Coordination Unit (PDCU), Rebecca Maulome Padonu, the Executive Secretary stressed that the expanded MEAL framework will provide the tools to know what works, what doesn’t, and how stakeholders can adjust programs to ensure that no vulnerable household is left behind.
He noted that with the framework, Kaduna State will be better positioned to measure how social protection programs are reducing poverty, improving food security, and enhancing access to health and education for vulnerable groups.
“Our goal is to ensure that every naira spent on social protection delivers real value to the people who need it most,” he added.
Similarly, UNICEF’s Social Policy Officer at the Kaduna Field Office, Wakidara Mavis Akila, highlighted that the framework will institutionalize a culture of data use and learning within government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).