The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Farouq has called for the effective and proper monitoring of the components of the National Social Investment Programme, NSIP, at all levels in order to achieve set targets.

The minister, who made the call yesterday while flagging off training for Stream 2 Independent Monitors of the NSIP and issuance of tablets and engagement letters to  94  Monitors in Birnin Kebbi, noted the important roles Monitors play in ensuring the success of the programme in the state.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Ismaila Mainasara Shinkafi, the minister pointed out that “the NSIP Independent Monitors are responsible for monitoring the programme in their community, in schools, households and market clusters, with the focus of ensuring that the primary objectives of the NSIPs are achieved.

“Monitors are one of the most important components of the NSIP and the ministry lays special emphasis on ensuring its programmes are closely monitored. We have monitors in every Local Government where the NSIPs are being implemented.” she said.

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While urging beneficiaries to pay more attention on the training  programme, the minister added that “we are also working with Non-Governmental Organizations , Civil Society groups, EFCC,  that will support you in your monitoring exercise.”

Speaking earlier, the representative of the  State Focal Person, National Social Investment Programme, Hajia Aisha said the 94 monitors would be  trained and inculcated with the necessary skills and tools to help them discharge their duties effectively. She charged the beneficiary to ask questions where the need arises.

She said, “Monitoring is a very strategic management tool. It helps in evaluating and tracking programme performance in order to deliver on its desired objectives.”

In an overview of the responsibilities of the monitors, Special Adviser to the Humanitarian Minister,  Barrister Aminu Shamaki stated that the objective “is to ensure the effective monitoring of the NSIP; collect data for evidence-based decision making; to determine areas of improvement in the NSIP and to document lessons learnt.

Highlight of the occasion was  a symbolic presentation of engagement letters and tablets to the monitors.