Pulse.ng : KTSG to review social protection policy

By Abbas Bamalli

The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has commenced the review and validation of the state’s social protection policy for economic and implementation sustainability.

Hajiya Fatima Muhammad, a UNICEF social policy specialist with the Kano field office, disclosed this at the opening of a four-day workshop in Dutse, Jigawa Capital, on Tuesday.

According to her, the workshop is organised to review and validate the state’s social protection policy, cost implementation plan and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework of the state.

She added that the policy was to enable the government of the state to have a holistic social protection policy, which will help to reduce poverty and address vulnerability.

Muhammad further explained that the document would ensure equitable and sustainable development in the state, with recommendations.

She listed the recommendations to include: Building social protection systems that guarantee at least a basic level of social security for one’s entire life, and accelerate progress towards universal social protection.

Ensuring universal access to comprehensive and adequate social protection for all, sustainable and equitable financing of social protection systems have also been recommended.

Where necessary, it is designed to increase fiscal space for social protection, design inclusive social protection systems that are non-discriminatory, gender-responsive, and responsive to special needs, including for persons with disabilities.

It will also ensure that social protection systems are adapted to changing needs, are robust and responsive to systemic shocks and facilitate the profound transformation of societies and economies.

According to her, at the end of the exercise, an improved policy, enhanced implementation, enhanced capacity, informed decision-making, improved social outcomes, increased stakeholder buy-in are expected.

Also speaking, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary, Katsina State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, said the event marked a critical juncture in the state’s commitment to enhance the people’s well-being.

Represented by Alhaji Mukhtar Usman, Director of Social Protection in the ministry, Abubakar noted that social protection was the cornerstone of the state government’s development agenda.

He said: “Shortly after the election of Malam Dikko Radda as the Executive Governor of the state, a blueprint document was developed for the Katsina administration, taking into cognizance “where we are, where we want to be and how to get there, using a strategic policy document.

“Therefore, this workshop represents a significant step in ensuring that our policies are not only effective but also economically sustainable.

“As we review and refine our social protection framework, it is crucial that we consider the financial implications and the allocation of resources to ensure that our initiatives are implemented successfully.

“Your knowledge and dedication are invaluable as we work collectively to improve the lives of our citizens, particularly those who are most vulnerable.”

Mr Segun Tekun, a social policy specialist from UNICEF National Office, Abuja, in his presentation on understanding social protection, expressed the hopes that after the exercise, the state governor would approve the policy before the end of the year.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the review and validation of the social protection policy drew stakeholders from different sectors.
NAN