Humanitarian Minister flags off Stream 2 Independent Monitors of the National Social Investment Programme.

The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq has flagged off the on boarding of the stream 2 Independent Monitors of the National  Social Independent  Programme, (NSIP) in Abuja.

Represented by the the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo, the Minister said, 3000 NSIP Independent Monitors have been on boarded and are responsible for monitoring the NSIP Programme in their communities in schools, households, and market clusters with the focus of ensuring that the Primary Objectives of the NSIPs are achieved.

According to the Minister, “the Ministry  flagged off the training and onboarding of Stream 1 Independent Monitors on the 4th February 2021,  in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory and 36 states of the Federation. This Process led to the engagement of 4452 Stream 1 Independent Monitors enrolled as monitors of NSIP”.

“Monitors are one of the most important Components of the NSIP and the Ministry lays special emphasis on ensuring that its programmes are closely monitored”.

“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”.

Continuing, “they were trained and onboarded by officials of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development working in close collaboration with State Focal Persons and NSIP Officials. Additionally, they were provided working tools in the form of Tablets to carry out their monitoring activities on the field”.

 She reiterated that monitoring at the State requires that the Independent Monitors work hand in hand with the State NSIP team, as their work cannot be done in a vacum. They are also required to work closely with the beneficiaries.

 Furthermore, “intimidation of beneficiaries by an Independent Monitor will not be accepted by the Ministry. Any Independent Monitor found intimidating or harassing a beneficiary will be taken off the programme. Be informed that we have officials of the EFCC and DSS working with us on this programme, and those found culpable will be handed over to relevant authorities”.

Through the Social Investment Management Information System (SIMIS) application, our Stream 1 monitors have uploaded over 220,000 reports to date on the application giving us good visibility into the programme at the communities. The incoming Stream 2 IMs are expected to continue using the same platform to report their activities from the field.

The representative of the Permanent Secretary Alhaji Grema Ali, Director of Humanitarian Affairs, urged the Independent Monitors to pay attention and learn from the facilitator for optimal performance in the programme.

The representative of the  Non-Governmental Organisations  Save the Children, Mr. Gyang Gyang Imagri, in his good will  message said the exercise speaks of accountability and transparency.He added that gathering data is effective for quality decision making and planning.He said  Save the Children is willing to collaborate with the Ministry in coaching and training.

Grace Osuji

Principal Information Officer

For:DD Information