Efforts to strengthen social protection systems in Kano State gained renewed emphasis as experts highlighted the central role of monitoring, evaluation, and accountability in ensuring effective programme delivery and measurable impact.
The emphasis came during a three-day capacity-building training on child poverty data generation, policy design, and implementation held in Dutse, Jigawa State. The training was organised by the Kano State Social Protection Agency with support from the UNICEF Kano Field Office.
Delivering a presentation on Monitoring and Evaluation in Social Protection, Ibrahim Ibrahim, a Monitoring and Evaluation specialist with UNICEF Kano Field Office, outlined core elements of effective M&E systems, including tracking results, measuring impact, and ensuring accountability.
He explained that strong monitoring frameworks help implementers identify gaps, follow performance trends, and make evidence-based decisions. According to him, accountability remains central to addressing inefficiencies and leakages within implementation structures.
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“If we are implementing effectively, we will know where the problems are coming from. It is accountability that will address those leakages,” he said.
Ibrahim noted that the primary objective of monitoring systems is to track performance, strengthen accountability, identify bottlenecks, and guide programme and policy decisions.
He stressed the importance of reliable and accurate data, warning against duplication and emphasising the need for proper justification of outcomes. “If a programme succeeds, we must understand why. If it fails, we must also explain why,” he added.
The UNICEF expert further explained that data for monitoring and evaluation is drawn from Management Information Systems, spot checks, beneficiary surveys, and community-based monitoring processes.
Participants were encouraged to strengthen data systems and adopt evidence-driven approaches to improve the delivery of social protection interventions across Kano State.
The training forms part of broader efforts aimed at improving institutional performance and ensuring more effective implementation of policies designed to reduce poverty and enhance the welfare of vulnerable populations.