COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF ADVOCACY VISITS CONDUCTED TO KADUNA STATE SOCIAL INVESTMENT AGENCY (KADSIPA) & STATE OPERATIONS COORDINATING UNIT
Preamble
On 22nd January, 2024, The Kaduna Social Protection Accountability Coalition (KADSPAC) conducted advocacy visits to the state coordinator of Kaduna State Social Investment Agency (KADSIPA) and Head of State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU). The purpose of the visit was to familiarize and seek partnership with the newly appointed State Coordinator of (KADSIPA) and enhance collaboration and synergy with the State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU) to strengthen the implementation of social protection programs in Kaduna.
The advocacy team, comprising the Chairperson of KADSPAC, the Advocacy team of KADSPAC, the team lead for Social Protection at the Open Gov Youth Innovation Hub, and media representative, engaged with the State Coordinator of KADSIPA and the State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU).
At KADSIPA, notable attendees included the State Coordinator, the Special Assistant to the Governor of Gender and Inclusion, and two additional staff members. At SOCU, the State Coordinator, Director Planning, and Head of Operations were present alongside the advocacy team.
*Key Discussion Points*
Notably, the Civil Society partners in attendance congratulated the newly appointed state coordinator of KADSIPA Honourable Umar Maikuɗi, expressing hope for his significant role in advancing social protection initiatives in the state.
The advocacy team emphasized their notable achievements, such as enhancing social protection systems through collaboration and fostering accountability and citizen participation. However, they also acknowledged challenges like insufficient information sharing, weak working synergy, and an information gap between the agency and civil society partners.
The advocacy team expressed dissatisfaction over their exclusion from the development of the law, which establishes KADSIPA. They emphasized the need for continues collaboration so as to strengthen the implementation of the law.
Note that the law establishing KADSIPA is different from the Social Security Law, which was signed by the Executive Governor in 2023.
As part of the advocacy, the KADSPAC team requested inclusion in the financial inclusion and literacy committee of the state.
KADSPAC conveyed its gratitude to SOCU for years of collaboration and synergy. Additionally, they expressed the need to strengthen this partnership further to address challenges within the unit, emphasizing the importance of continued collaborative efforts.
The head of SOCU highlighted challenges faced, particularly in community data enumeration. Despite these obstacles, there is a commitment to continue working closely with KADSPAC moving forward.
The KADSPAC declared its intention to host a social protection summit and actively sought collaboration and partnership with both KADSIPA and SOCU to ensure the successful planning and execution of the summit. This partnership aims to leverage the collective strengths and resources of both entities in delivering a comprehensive and impactful social protection event.
*Resolutions*
As a next step, KADSPAC will draft a letter addressed to the chairman of the financial inclusion committee, formally requesting the inclusion of the accountability coalition in the state’s financial inclusion and literacy committee
The State Coordinator committed to involving KADSPAC and other relevant accountability mechanisms in the sensitization efforts planned for the state on social protection interventions in Kaduna.
The state coordinator KADSIPA emphasized a dedicated commitment to collaborate with KADSPAC, actively participating in agency-related activities. He pledged to bridge information gaps and foster effective partnerships, synergy, and collaborative efforts.
Signed,
Jessica Bartholomew,
Chairperson, KADSPAC
Sumayya Abdullahi Hussaini
Team Lead For Social Protection, OpenGov Youth Innovation Hub.
