The North Journals
The Nigerian Government, in collaboration with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), convened a one-day workshop in Abuja to review and refine the draft 2025-2027 Social Policy Work Plan. The initiative aimed to align the plan with national priorities, ensuring effective cross-sectoral coordination in social policy implementation.
The workshop brought together key government stakeholders and development partners to enhance strategic collaboration for sustainable social development. Permanent Secretary of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Emeka Obi, highlighted the importance of refining strategies for program-based budgeting and implementing a child-sensitive monitoring framework. According to Dr. Obi, achieving efficiency in social policy requires a well-structured approach that integrates financial planning with measurable developmental outcomes.
UNICEF’s Social Policy Specialist, Dr. Hamidou Poufon, urged government agencies to intensify efforts in tackling child poverty, enhancing social protection mechanisms, and strengthening public financial management systems. He emphasized that addressing social development challenges requires deliberate policy actions that prioritize the welfare of children and vulnerable populations.
The workshop also provided a platform for dialogue on how best to utilize available resources to achieve equitable growth and social inclusion. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the revised Social Policy Work Plan would serve as a blueprint for sustainable development, ensuring that critical issues such as poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare are effectively addressed.
This collaborative effort between the Nigerian Government and UNICEF underscores a shared commitment to advancing child welfare and fostering an inclusive governance framework that supports national development goals.
