Social Protection: OGP lauds Kaduna Gov’t over Social Security Bill

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Open Government Partnership’s (OGP) Technical Working Group (TWG) on Strengthening Social Protection Systems in Kaduna State has commended the government for the efforts to provide a legal framework for its social protection programmes.
Citizens Co-chair, OGP TWG on Strengthening Social Protection Systems in Kaduna State Philip Daniel Yatai stated this in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.
Mr. Yatai said this is a “laudable step” towards fulfilling the state government’s commitment in its OGP State Action Plan II, to provide a legal framework for social protection programmes.
According to him, Social protection is about upholding human dignity and promoting the overall wellbeing of poor and vulnerable individuals amidst socioeconomic adversity.
“ However, the state is faced with the challenge of high poverty level, incoherent strategy towards addressing poverty, vulnerability, social exclusion and poor access to education, health, and nutrition services.
“A Bill for a law to provide for the Social Security Scheme and for connected matters, 2023 is among six Bills submitted to the Assembly by the State Executive Council for passage.
“Therefore, the government made a commitment to strengthen its social protection system to bridge identified gaps in rendering social protection services and provide a life of dignity for all residents.”