From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has trained Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officers and Programme Officers on the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to track and assess government projects across the state.
The intensive training, held in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), brought together experienced experts and stakeholders to deepen the capacity of government officials in project monitoring, impact evaluation, and real-time data collection using advanced digital tools.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the training, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Bayyana, underscored the importance of accurate data in governance, saying the deployment of GIS would enhance project transparency and improve service delivery.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Maryam Ahmed Barade, the commissioner noted that the initiative was part of the state government’s broader reforms to strengthen accountability frameworks and promote evidence-based planning.
“This training aligns with our commitment to ensure that public resources are spent effectively and that every project implemented in Sokoto can be tracked, evaluated, and improved upon for the benefit of our citizens,” she said.
UNFPA’s representative Musa Muhammad Wamakko, highlighted the significance of integrating technology into public administration, noting that improved monitoring systems are critical for achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring that no one is left behind.
According to him, “UNFPA is committed to supporting Sokoto State in building systems that are not only responsive but also capable of delivering measurable outcomes. The use of GIS in project tracking ensures data-driven decisions and enables better planning, particularly in sectors that directly impact women and youth.”
One of the participants, Rukayya Abubakar, expressed optimism about the skills gained during the training. She said the exposure to GIS tools has equipped her and her colleagues with the ability to monitor projects more accurately and provide timely feedback.
“This training has really opened my eyes to how technology can make our work more efficient. With GIS, we can identify gaps, verify project locations, and ensure that what’s on paper actually reflects what’s on ground,” she said.
The training is expected to be a game-changer in how projects are implemented and monitored in Sokoto, as the government intensifies efforts to strengthen its development outcomes and improve the lives of citizens.
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