ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has reacted to the findings on the impacts of national social investment programmes initiated by the Federal Government of Nigeria at different stages.
Reacting through a press statement by the Action Aid Nigeria, Country Director, Ene Obi, “through our findings by following the comments and thoughts of concerned Nigerians on the implementation of the National Social Investment Programme in Nigeria there are clear indication of improved service delivery to the citizens even though there is still need for more system strengthening.
It was revealed through the statement that AAN with support from The U.K. Department for International Development (DFID) Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL) and Ford Foundation coordinated Civil Society bodies from the 35 States (except Ekiti state that had problems with funds transfer) and the FCT, to independently monitor, evaluate and report findings based on the implementation of three out of the National Social Investment Programmes (N-SIP) namely:
N-Power Programme, Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) and the
Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).
“We recognise the contributions by Ministries of Budget and National Planning, Finance, Niger Delta Development Commission and the National Social Investment Office.” said Obi
According to the Press statement, “Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) conducted monitoring in 70% of the Local Government Areas in all the states (except Kano state where monitoring was carried out in 18 LGAs) at varying times between May and December 2018 interacting with over 2 million Nigerians (beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries) of the three programmes.
AAN also held quarterly feedback sessions with the National Social Investment Office (NSIO) on findings and suggested how to improve service delivery to the citizens.
From the monitoring conducted, there are clear evidence of meals provided in primary schools through the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP), this resulted in more pupils going to school, improved concentration of pupils during classroom teaching, reduction in absenteeism, and in some cases reduction in the rate of illness among pupils as reported by headteachers, parents and pupils in the communities visited.
On the N-Power Programme, Government officials at state levels heading the Places of Primary Assignments/sites generally, confirmed the added value that beneficiaries of the programmes brought to their schools, Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC), agricultural establishments, and offices. The monitoring exercise also confirmed that schools that were in critical need of teachers got beneficiaries to teach through the N-Power programme, and other non-teaching establishments also gained trained labour to add to their existing workforce.
On GEEP there is need for system strengthening and public enlightenment for the programme to gain more ground with the citizens.
In Adamawa State, the CSO conducted monitoring in 15 selected LGAs (Yola North, Yola South, Girei, Gombi, Hong, Michika, Madagali, Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha, Guyuk, Lamurde, Numan, Demsa, Jada) – over 100 wards were reached.
And in Kano State, the CSO monitored in 18 selected LGAs (Nassarawa, Minjibir, Ungogo, Dambatta, Bichi and Karaye, Kano Municipal, Gwale, Kumbotso, Tarauni, Gwaro, Kabo, Dala, Sumaila, Wudil, Gaya, Ajingi and Rano) with over 55, 000 beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries consulted in both States.
For example, over 70% of beneficiaries interviewed in Adamawa State believed that the programme had impacted positively on their lives. The positive impacts of the programme on beneficiaries includes access to monthly stipend and trainings.
An N-Teach beneficiary at Government Day Junior Secondary School, old GRA of Alkalawa Ward, said he could develop a lesson plan as well as a scheme of work which he could not do prior to enrolling in the programme.
Also, schools visited in the communities in Kano State reported decreased illness among pupils, and teachers in charge of first aid reported that request for medications had declined.
The 2018 Third Party Monitoring Report on the National Social Investment Programme is available on ActionAid Nigeria website
Dorian won’t make landfall in Florida, but the East Coast is still under threat
I enjoy the efforts you have put in this, thank you for all the great content.
affordable health care coverage medical school tuition
Some genuinely rattling work on behalf of the owner of this internet site, utterly outstanding articles.
Hey, you used to write wonderful, but the last few posts have been kinda boringK I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!