FEC approves National Social Protection policy

The federal government of Nigeria has okayed the National Social Protection policy (NSP) policy.

The Federal Ececutive Council (FEC) gave the approval at its weekly meeting on Wednesday, December 14, 2022.

This was consequent upon the presentation of the policy at the FEC meeting by the duo of the Minister of Finance, Budget and Nationsl Planning, Dr Zainab Ahmed and the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba.

It would be recalled that the Technical Working Group on NSP under the superintendence of the Director of Social Development, Dr Faniran Sanjo, worked round the clock to put together the policy and take it through obligatory validations.

THE CONCLAVE reports the TWG to have said that social protection is a veritable tool for reducing poverty and vulnerability in any nation.

According to the TWG, “The need for social protection in the country is underscored by the increasing poverty and vulnerability occasioned by high unemployment, climate change impacts, malnutrition, violent conflicts, insurgency, and displacement.

“Across the population, poverty is widening and deepening, with many live in extreme poverty.

“However, the effective implementation of the NSPP will depend on an understanding of, and the implementation of the clear and unambiguous guidance provided in the Operational Plan.

“The NSPP is a necessary tool for the reduction of poverty and vulnerability in the country.

“Implementing NSPP will be seamless, well-coordinated and effective with the avoidance of waste of resources, unnecessary administrative delays and bottle-necks if the measures outlined in this operational plan.”