News
Boosting NSIP through Independent Monitors
BY TONY ITA ETIM
By any conceivable standards, the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), has received a big boost under the leadership of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq. One of such incentives was the training, recently, of resource persons who would monitor the various aspects of the programme all over the country.
Known as Independent Monitors, the more than 5000 are charged with the responsibility of ensuring the success of the NSIP, the biggest and boldest social investment programme, ever mounted by any government, in Africa. To appreciate the role of the monitors, it is important to have, at least, a cursory understanding of the content of the NSIP. The programme is anchored on four sub-programmes: The National Home-grown School Feeding Programme, the N-Power Programme, the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme and the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme.
Since its inception, there is no question that the NSIP has, to varying degrees, impacted positively on lives, all over the country. For instance, the N-Power programme, under which both graduates and non graduates are placed under apprenticeship where they acquire life-changing leadership and entrepreneurial skills, has so far graduated about 500, 000 beneficiaries in two batches of A and B. Batch C, is being finalised for eventual on-boarding in no distant time. Similarly, the Conditional Cash Transfer, under which each beneficiary receives a monthly stipend of N5000, has turned out to be not just a palliative for women but in some instances, the platform needed by them to showcase their leadership and motherly qualities.
A particularly touching example of the success of the Conditional Cash Transfer, is the case of the women of Irepodun LGA in Kwara State who, from their monthly receipts, started a primary school, to save their children from trekking long distances, as there was no nearby school. These are some of the little successes of the NSIP which often go unnoticed. Besides, more often than not, what is thrown into the public domain are skepticism over the programme. Of course, as in any programme, the NSIP is not yet perfect. For instance, under the N-Power programme, there have been past reports of some dishonest beneficiaries who, in collaboration with some unpatriotic elements, abandon the programme while still collecting their allowances. Although such cases are not rampant, there is the tendency, by some people, to use such exceptions as mirror images of the programme.
The above puts in perspective, the rationale for the engagement and training of the Independent Monitors. And it could not have been captured better than the Minister herself who, while declaring the training workshop open in Calabar, stated thus: “The independent monitors will be assigned to monitor programme beneficiaries within their locality in schools, households and market clusters with the focus of ensuring that the primary objectives of these programmes are achieved”.
Speaking further, the Minister who was represented by Mr. Ngene Kingsley Bash, a special assistant in the ministry, charged the monitors: “The programme of government should not fail in your state. Monitors’ reports and data gathered will be transmitted to Abuja and analysed to know the success level of your state. Monitors should work in synergy with other clusters in the field. Please do not short-change your state and the people.”
Will the independent monitors live up to the expectations of the ministry? Only time will tell. However, going by the manner of their recruitment, they can only fail if the various state governments do not aggressively and painstakingly ensure that their people benefit from the national largesse. To start with, the independent monitors are recruited by the FMHDSD or SIP in states, either by appointment or selection. In addition, prior to being recruited, they must have the technical knowledge to do the job. Thirdly, the recent facilitation workshop puts them in the right perspective to prosecute this national responsibility. Last and perhaps most important of all, they are to actively engage all stakeholders from the local government to the state levels towards ensuring that there is no room for some of the shortcomings previously reported.
Judging from the enthusiasm displayed by critical stakeholders at the Calabar event, the FMHDSD can rest assured that going forward, better results will be achieved. This optimism hinges on the observation and assurance of the Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare of Cross River State, Mrs. Blessing Egbara who disclosed that residents of the state have benefitted and are still benefiting from the NSIP since inception. As reported by The Nation, one of Nigeria’s most authoritative newspapers, Mrs. Egbara said: “Today, we have seen another direction of the NSIP which is the training of independent monitors who will ensure that what comes to the people is received by the right beneficiaries.” Now, her promise that the ministry would be embedded with the programme, through the independent monitors, should gladden the heart of Sadiya Farouk, the youthful and zestful minister who has turned humanitarian endeavour into her second nature and helping the poor something of a religion. Hear Mrs. Egbara: “As a ministry, we will monitor the independent monitors to ensure that they play their roles effectively.”
The above answers the question: who will monitor the monitors? To argue that it is the role of the Ministry will be correct. But what Mrs. Egbara has done is to challenge everyone, particularly every state government, notwithstanding party affiliation, to be a stakeholder; to buy into this laudable Federal Government programme instead of being habitual critics. It is also significant that Cross River State is not controlled by the APC, thereby demonstrating a higher level of social responsibility than those who would want the programme to fail so that there will be a reason to criticise the Federal Government.
To the Independent Monitors, beyond their monthly stipend, being saddled with this national and historical assignment, provides a ready platform to imbibe the qualities of voluntarism: the social character that is driving much of development globally. They should see this as a spiritual, psychological, emotional and patriotic duty not only to serve humanity but also to develop life skills and cultivate a rich social network for future roles in the society.
I think Hajiya Sadiya Farouk deserves commendation for creating this platform aimed at perfecting the human capital for deepening social inclusion in Nigeria. Whether or not Minister Sadiya Farouq and her ministry hit the 100 million target propounded by President Muhammadu Buhari or not, what is important is that a new momentum, a new social dynamic of people empowerment through social safety nets, is evolving and needs to be supported by all.
Etim, an experienced media practitioner with a flair for developmental journalism, writes from Calabar, Cross River State.
The Apex sociocultural youth organization of the Igbo race worldwide, Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), has described the current arrest made by the Independent Corrupt Practice and Other Related Offence (ICPC) against former Minister of Science and Technology and the 2027 People Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Enugu State, Hon. Uche Nnaji, regarding his certificate, as a deliberate political witch-hunt orchestrated by the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Gov. Peter Mbah.
In a press address in Enugu on Wednesday, 8th July 2026, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, National President of Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), called on Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to maintain the commission’s ethical standards, threatening to seek his removal if evidence confirms the alleged bias of ICPC in favor of Governor Peter Mbah against Hon. Uche Nnaji regarding the 2027 Guber election.
*The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) revealed that the fight against Hon. Uche Nnaji is a battle for the Enugu Governorship and the “Lions Building Seat” in 2027, and dismissed the certificate forgery allegations against Uche Nnaji as a political distraction and blackmail.*
The surreptitious entry into the court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to obtain a court order detaining Hon Uche Nnaji is a teleguided executive overreach attributed to Gov Peter Mbah apparently aimed at silencing Hon Uche Nnaji, which is highly censurable.
The Council stated that “A court of competent jurisdiction is presently handling the unsubstantiated certificate forgery case, and the University of Nigeria Nsukka and Hon Uche Nnaji have opted for an out-of-court settlement, following recent findings of misinformation.
Therefore, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), should maintain a neutral stance regarding the Enugu State Governorship battle to preserve his reputation built through his legal career and public service, and avoid being perceived as succumbing to Governor Peter Mbah’s alleged attempts to utilize executive power to blackmail and witch-hunt Hon. Uche Nnaji.
The Ohanaeze Youth Council(OYC) warned Governor Peter Mbah to concentrate on fulfilling his unfulfilled campaign promises to Enugu State rather than chasing Hon Uche Nnaji through the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)
Families displaced by the recent fire outbreak in the Asata area of Enugu have received immediate relief from the Enugu State Government following the intervention of Governor Peter Mbah, who directed that palliative support be provided to ease their suffering.
Chairman of the Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (ESEMA), Chinasa Mbah, disclosed that the agency promptly delivered the relief materials in compliance with the governor’s directive.
“We have given them some palliative as directed by His Excellency. Our report has equally gone in, and we await further instructions,” Mbah said.
She explained that ESEMA has completed its assessment of the incident and submitted its recommendations to the state government, adding that additional assistance for the affected families will depend on the governor’s approval of the agency’s report.
The swift response underscores Governor Mbah’s commitment to standing with citizens in times of distress. The victims, whose homes and belongings were destroyed in the fire that gutted two flats in a two-storey building on Church Road, Asata, are expected to receive further support as the government considers ESEMA’s recommendations.
The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE) has defended the inclusion of projects outside its statutory mandate in the 2026 budget, insisting they are National Assembly constituency projects assigned to the commission for implementation.
However, the explanation has done little to quell public scrutiny, with critics questioning why a commission established to tackle the Almajiri system and out-of-school children—challenges largely concentrated in Northern Nigeria—is overseeing projects reportedly located in parts of the South-West.
The controversy has also been fuelled by concerns over the scale of the allocations, as the value of the disputed constituency projects is said to far exceed the funds earmarked for the commission’s core education programmes.
Responding to the criticism in a statement issued on Monday, the commission’s Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Nura Muhammad, said the projects were included in the 2026 Appropriation Act under the long-standing practice of assigning constituency projects to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for execution.
According to the commission, once such projects are approved in the federal budget and allocated to an agency, they become part of its implementation responsibilities.
“As part of a duly enacted federal budget, every project assigned to the commission forms part of its implementation responsibilities and will be executed in strict compliance with extant laws, financial regulations and due procurement processes,” the statement said.
NCAOOSCE maintained that the inclusion of the projects does not alter its statutory mandate, stressing that it remains focused on addressing the Almajiri system and reducing the number of out-of-school children across Nigeria.
The commission cited its achievements, including the profiling of more than 700,000 out-of-school children, the establishment of 119 learning centres, ward-to-ward advocacy campaigns, and the implementation of the National Policy on Almajiri Education, as evidence of its commitment to its core responsibilities.
This version attributes the concerns to critics and public scrutiny rather than stating them as established facts.
A Police Inspector, Dr. Obodo Paul Ikechukwu, has reportedly died after he was involved in a fatal road accident allegedly involving a police convoy in Enugu State.
The deceased, who hailed from Nkpologu in Enugu State, was serving in the Operations Department of the Enugu State Police Headquarters at the time of the incident.
Details surrounding the circumstances of the accident remain unclear, but sources said the inspector was fatally injured after being struck by a vehicle in a police convoy.
Dr. Obodo, who was also a PhD holder, was described by colleagues and associates as a dedicated officer whose death has come as a shock to members of the police command and his community.
As of the time of filing this report, the Enugu State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident, while further details are being awaited.
The Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry Enugu, , has offered prayers for , praying for God’s favour, protection, and victory as the state approaches the coming elections.
Speaking during a church gathering, Mbaka declared that Governor Mbah would succeed, expressing confidence that God, whom he said had begun a great work through the governor, would bring it to completion.
“It shall be well with Peter Mbah; may the favour of God be with him. We back him with our prayers. The Adoration family throws our prayers around him, that he will succeed, in the name of Jesus. May God grant him the power of victory at the end of the whole election,” Mbaka said.
The cleric further expressed hope that Mbah’s leadership would bring joy to the Igbo people, the people of Enugu State, and the Church, adding that the Igbo economy could witness greater advancement under his administration.
According to Mbaka, the progress recorded so far gives hope that greater achievements lie ahead, stressing that God would perfect the work already begun.
His remarks come as political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the forthcoming elections.
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