From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
A Group under the auspices of National Social Protection Forum (NSPF) has called for the establishment of a legislative framework to give legal backing to the implementation of the social protection programmes in Nigeria.
The Group stated this in a Communique issued after a National Social Protection Policy Review Consultation Meeting.
The Forum commended the Federal Government for the National Social Protection Policy (NSPP), saying, the policy is relevant to the Nigerian people and the social protection needs of the country.
It also stated that the NSPP having derived from the 1999 Constitution , is in alignment with the nation’s priorities. and needs legal backing
The Forum however noted that the policy does not include a clear institutional arrangement for social protection in Nigeria.
“The intended outcomes though minimal, cannot be measured in terms of achievement as the policy does not have a costed implementation strategy and performance framework in place to support this process.
“The non-availability of evaluation data makes it difficult to determine if the programmes have the desired impact and inform strategic direction at policy level.
“The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were excluded in the target groups and a number of vulnerable and marginalized groups were lumped together as though they have similar needs and vulnerabilities.
As part of the policy measures, include, “Promote the adoption and implementation of a twin-track approach to ensure inclusion of PWDs in social protection programs”.
“The policy should provide a clear framework for sustainable financing.
“ The policy should encourage the use of the social register in implementation of social protection programmes.
“There is a need for the establishment of a legislative framework to give legal backing to the implementation of the social protection programmes.
“Complimentary roles should be clearly defined for each of the stakeholders and institutions.
“ There should also be a single monitoring framework i.e a unified M&E framework.
“The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) should be included as part of the international agreements in 1.4 (international agreement and social protection)
“Disability inclusion should be added in the overarching goal of this policy”, the Communique stated.
