FG, Save the Children sign MoU on monitoring of NSIP

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has signed a one year Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Save the Children International to ensure proper monitoring and evaluation of National Social Investment Programmes, NSIP.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, said monitoring and evaluation is key to effective implementation of NSIP.
Farooq said the services of 7,500 independent monitors have been engaged across the 36 states of the federation, who are producing over 250 reports monthly.
According to her, civil society organizations have also been engaged as an additional layer of close monitoring which will further strengthen accountability, transparency and effectiveness of the scheme.
“Save the Children International will engage the services of eighteen (18) other civil society organizations (CSOs) to provide third party monitoring of NSIPs.Furthermore, they will provide additional capacity building to the Independent Monitors as well as carry out spot checks in locations of the NSIP Implementation,” she said.
The minister explained that her ministry decided to collaborate with the international organization because it is well-recognised and supports several social protection programmes in Nigeria.
“I am sure you all realise that the need to closely Monitor and Evaluate (M&E) these investments is an important component of the NSIP and its role in program implementation cannot be underrated,” she said.
On his part, the director, Advocacy Campaigns, Communication and Media at Save the Children International, Nigeria, Amanuel Mamo, said “It is believed that this will encourage transparency and accountable behaviour from service providers, as well as be a mechanism through which beneficiaries and their communities can gain confidence in their ability to effect positive change.
“An effective SA mechanism will also help in improving service levels to the citizens, thereby ensuring that government gets a better return on investment.”