Group Commends El-Rufai For Signing Social Protection Policy, Presses For Legal Framework

Group, Kaduna Social Protection Accountability Coalition (KADSPAC) has commended Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and his Executive Council for signing the newly developed social protection policy.

The signing of the document would help the State to respond to the plight of the poor and vulnerable homes and ensure continuity even after El-Rufai’s administration.

Presently, the State is collecting data on poor and vulnerable homes across its 23 local government areas to help in planning for intervention either by the government, corporate organisations and spirited individuals.

So far, the State has about 100,000 poor and vulnerable homes captured in its social register while the data collection is still ongoing.

Chairperson of KADSPAC, Jessica Bartholomew in a statement noted that the development would serve as a “beacon of hope” for the poor and vulnerable in the state.

According to Jessica, the policy would guide the establishment of a well-structured integrated social protection mechanism capable of reaching the poorest and most vulnerable citizens in the state sustainably and humanely, “this giant stride will enable the state to support the poorest and most vulnerable residents to live productive, fulfilling, and dignifying lives.”

The coalition also called on El-Rufai to fast track the development of a legal framework that would establish a social protection agency to coordinate all social protection interventions in the state.

She said, “once again, the Kaduna State Government has underscored its commitment to putting people first by improving the quality of life of the marginalized and vulnerable groups.

“This is a long-term investment in human capital development that will not only lift 84.9 per cent households out of poverty but build a productive human resource that would take the state to greater heights.

“KADSPAC commends Gov. El-Rufai for taking this important step to progressively prevent residents’ exposure to economic and social risks and shocks that could force them into extreme poverty.

“This policy entails delivering quality education, ensuring access to affordable health care, encouraging job creation, and building infrastructure, while ensuring that the very poor, aged, sick and persons living with disability are supported.”

She thanked the steering committee, headed by Mrs Saude Atoyebi, Focal Person, Social Investment Programme, for the leadership and strong commitment to achieving the goal.

“With the policy in place, the poor and vulnerable people would have access to basic necessities of life such as healthcare, education, safe shelter and environment, food, water and sanitation.

“KADSPAC will support the state in ensuring that the implementation plan for the policy is put in place and closely monitor implementation of social protection programmes for accountability and transparency,” she added.