By: Femi Mustapha
The revised Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework, developed by civil society, government, and development partners, has been described by Comrade. Bukar Suleiman of the OGP Social Protection Technical Working Group (TWG) as “a critical shift,” aiming to move from business‑as‑usual to a system grounded in evidence, learning, and measurable impact.
The gathering convened by the Kaduna Social Protection Investment Programme Agency (KAD‑SIPA) produced a revised MEAL framework that could reshape how social protection is delivered across the state.
Suleiman notes that in a context of constrained public resources and rising vulnerability, “no social policy can deliver results without a strong Monitoring and Evaluation system.”
The revised MEAL framework seeks to provide that evidence base, showing what works, what does not, who is reached, who is not, and who is left behind. Without it, he warns, even well‑designed policies risk becoming symbolic rather than effective.
The review process itself was notable for its inclusivity. Civil‑society organizations, government actors, researchers, and technical experts actively contributed, ensuring the framework reflects practical realities on the ground.
“This openness to collaboration remains one of KAD‑SIPA’s strongest assets and deserves recognition,” Suleiman writes, highlighting the value of cross‑fertilization between academia, civil society, ty and programmatic experience.
Several key lessons emerged from the engagement. First, MEAL must be embedded, not peripheral, serving as a core management function that guides decision‑making within KAD‑SIPA and its implementing MDAs. Second, accountability must be people‑centred, creating pathways for communities and beneficiaries to provide feedback and influence improvements.
Third, learning must be intentional—data should be analyzed, shared, edited, and used to refine programs, with failures treated as learning opportunities. Fourth, institutional capacity is critical; sustained investment in human resources, data systems, and technical skills is required for the framework to function.
The partnership with UNICEF and other development partners added global standards, technical rigor, and comparative experience, helping align the framework with international best practices while remaining adaptable to Kaduna’s local context.
Suleiman emphasizes that the next step is formal validation and approval of the reviewed policy documents, followed by deliberate implementation.
“Strengthening institutional capacity, allocating adequate resources, and sustaining collaboration with civil society will determine whether the MEAL framework delivers on its promise,” he asserts.
Ultimately, Suleiman writes, social protection exists to serve people, not institutions. A robust MEAL system acts as the bridge between policy intent and lived reality.
If fully implemented, the reviewed framework can make Kaduna’s social protection interventions more equitable, transparent, and responsive to the poor and vulnerable. “The work so far is commendable.
The responsibility ahead is collective. Now is the time to act, institutionalize learning, and ensure that social protection in Kaduna State truly works for its citizens,” he concludes.
