The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, has advised 7,500 Independent Monitors engaged by the federal government to monitor the implementation of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) in states across the federation to use experiences gathered in the past three years to establish themselves in life.
While addressing the Independent Monitors Thursday in Abuja, during the flag off workshop for the beneficiaries, Farouq said that the workshop will provide them an opportunity to look back at the last two years they have worked with the ministry and consolidate on capacity built and document lessons learned in the programme monitoring.
She said: “NSIP is the flagship poverty reduction programme of the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari comprising of four programmes to address a variety of societal problems. These programmes include the Job Creation Prgramme – NPower; Government Enterprise and Empowernment Programme (GEEP); Conditional Cash Transfer Programme (CCT); and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.
“To ensure successful implementation and maximise impact of the NSIP, the Ministry developed a robust Monitoring and Evaluation system. This system is in three layers at the Local Government, State and Federal levels.
“At the local government level, we have enrolled the services of 7500 Independent Monitors to carry out programme monitoring in 36 states and the FCT. The Independent Monitors collect and submit routine data from 774 Local Government Areas.
“At the state level, the Ministry partnered with an International Nongovernmental Organization to serve as Third-Party Monitors for the NSIP. These CSOs provide an additional layer of monitoring for the programme. They also provide mentoring and capacity building to the Independent Monitors in their assigned states. Additionally, they coordinate the institutionalization of regular performance review at the state.
“The third layer of monitoring is provided at the Federal level by the Ministry personnel through routine monitoring and supervision visits on a quarterly basis.
“Today I am here to flag off a national “review & appreciation” workshop for Independent Monitors across the country. These monitors have been with us for one to two years and have been a pivotal part of the program. As they conclude their engagement with us, we want to use this opportunity to thank them for their services.
“This workshop will provide them an opportunity to look back at the last two years that they have worked with us and consolidate on capacity built and document lessons learned in the programme monitoring. The workshop also provides an opportunity to improve future programme design and implementation. I hereby ask you to be attentive and actively participate in the workshop and learn from the Resource Persons that are here to support you.
“I am happy to inform you that I have approved all your outstanding payments and your accounts will be credited once the funds are released to the Ministry. I sincerely congratulate all of you on successfully completing this National assignment. Accordingly, you will be issued with a certificate of commendation & appreciation for your commitment, hard work and dedication to the programme.”
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of NSIP, Dr Umar Bindir, said the independent monitors were given tablets and digital tools to perform their duties, advising them to consider doing consultancy jobs from experiences garnered in the course of working for the federal government.
Some of the beneficiaries lauded the federal government for the opportunity to be selected as independent monitors, saying the experience will guide them through life.
Highlight of the event was the award of certificate of participation to the Independent Monitors.
