ACF lauds Jigawa’s determination to continue social protection beyond FCDO funding
The Action Against Hunger Nigeria has commended the Jigawa State Government for demonstrating strong political will and commitment to sustaining inclusive social protection programmes beyond donor support. Speaking at the
- From: Ahmed Rufa'i, Dutse
The Action Against Hunger Nigeria has commended the Jigawa State Government for demonstrating strong political will and commitment to sustaining inclusive social protection programmes beyond donor support.
Speaking at the closure of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)-funded project on Inclusive Social Protection Systems in Jigawa, the Acting Country Director of ACF Nigeria, Andualem Fekadu, described the state as a model for social protection reforms in Nigeria.
The event, held in Dutse, marked the end of a funding cycle supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
The stakeholders stressed that the programme’s impact would endure through strengthened state systems and local ownership.
Fekadu noted that while the grant phase had ended, Jigawa’s commitment signalled a transition to institutionalised reforms driven by the government and communities.
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“This moment represents not an end, but a shift to deeper state ownership and sustainable systems that will outlast any single intervention,” he said.
He highlighted key achievements of the collaboration, including strengthened institutional capacity, improved coordination through the Social Protection Council and Technical Working Group, and expanded inclusion of vulnerable groups such as women, persons with disabilities and the elderly.
According to him, community groups, civil society organisations and the media have also been empowered to actively participate in policy advocacy, programme monitoring and accountability processes.
Fekadu further emphasised that the programme enhanced evidence-based decision-making, enabling authorities to deploy improved data systems for better targeting and responsiveness of social interventions.
He attributed the success of the initiative to the Jigawa government’s sustained political will, effective coordination structures and strong partnerships among stakeholders.
“The leadership in Jigawa has consistently shown commitment to strengthening social protection. This has been critical in achieving the results we celebrate today,” he added.
The ACF official, however, stressed the need for continued domestic funding, capacity building and transparency mechanisms to safeguard the gains recorded.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to support the state in the next phase of its social protection journey, aimed at expanding coverage and ensuring inclusivity.
The event drew participation from government officials, members of the Social Protection Council, civil society groups, community leaders and development partners.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the structures established under the programme would continue to drive poverty reduction, resilience and inclusive growth across Jigawa State.
