By Philip Yatai

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Tuesday urged the Kaduna State Government to strengthen the use of to drive the implementation of social protection programmes.

Dr Adamu Maikano, FCDO Regional Coordinator, who made the call at the inauguration of the state’s Social Protection Policy by Gov. Nasir El-Rufai, said that the use of data would reflect the populations needs.

According to him, use of data is the only way the most vulnerable and disenfranchised population, particularly women, youths, and marginalised ethnic groups can benefit from the well-thought-out social protection programmes.

He said that FCDO was extremely proud of the accomplishments being recorded by its Child Development Grant Programme (CDGP) being implemented by Save the Children in the state.

He noted that institutionalisation of social protection in Kaduna State through the creation of a policy document and legislation was highly commendable.

He added that the achievement marks a cardinal step in the long run but achievable journey toward bridging the inequality gap to allow for a fairer and inclusive Kaduna State.

“In the spirit of promoting ownership and sustainability, the FCDO implores Governor El-Rufai to facilitate a process that will allow for the social protection system to be embedded within the Law.

 “This will give the social protection implementation the force it needs to deliver for the people of Kaduna.

“On our part, the FCDO assures you of meeting up with our commitment, by supporting to strengthen all existing social protection programmes and to continue to deliver their respective services to target groups,” he said.

He reiterated FCDO’s commitment to facilitating and supporting strategies to end extreme poverty in Nigeria and Kaduna State in particular.

Also speaking, Mr. Kayode Ajumobi, National Programme Manager, CDGP, described social protection as not only a “powerful tool” to address poverty, but also an important policy instrument to address economic, social, and political exclusion and vulnerability.

Ajimobi pointed out that the change the policy was expected to create would be limited if not properly backed financially, technically, and structurally.

He commended the state government’s commitment of a minimum of one percent of the state’s total Internally Generated Revenue to social protection.

“We are also impressed with the ongoing process to develop and enact a state social protection law.

“What we are witnessing today is a clear demonstration of El-Rufai-led administration’s political will and unequivocal commitment to provide social protection for all its citizens, especially its most vulnerable, poor and socially excluded ones.

“Save the Children International celebrates with Gov. El-Rufai and the people of Kaduna State on this laudable milestone.

“This was made possible through the generous support of the FCDO formerly DFID, through the CDGP strengthening social protection systems programme.

“The CDGP provided technical support to the Social Protection Steering Committee and Technical Working Group throughout the policy development process.

The national programme manager called on the government to take a step further to legislate the state policy, establish the state social protection fund and the state social protection agency as contained in the policy.

He also urged the government to ensure the creation of a budget line and timely release and cash backing of approved funds to guarantee the full implementation of the bill.

“This will enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of social protection programmes in the state.

“It will also result in the overall reduction of poverty and sustained improvements in the general wellbeing of women, children and the vulnerable and socially disadvantaged citizens of the state.

“Save the Children will continue to support the Kaduna state government in institutionalising and strengthening its social protection systems through the continued support of the FCDO through CDGP,” he Ajimobi said.