The Kaduna Social Protection Accountability Coalition (KADSPAC) has lauded the federal government’s commitment to expanding investment in the social protection, education, and health sectors to fast-tract national development.

Chairperson of KADSPAC, Jessica Bartholomew, said increased investment in social protection would fast-track the ongoing efforts to address poverty in the country.

“The federal government commitment to expand investment in the sector is, therefore, very commendable because it demonstrates the government’s resolve to lift people out of extreme poverty through social protection programmes”, she added.

On Friday, President Muhammadu Buhari presented the 2023 Budget Proposals of N20.5 trillion to the joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja for consideration.

Describing human capital as the “most critical resource” for national development, Mr Buhari said his administration’s policy thrust was to expand investment in education, health, and social protection.

She explained that KADSPAC, a coalition with membership drawn from civil society organisations and the media, is working with the government to strengthen social protection systems in Kaduna for the delivery of inclusive and shock-responsive social protection programmes.

According to her, social protection has the potential to lift individuals and households from extreme poverty and set them on pathways to resilience from economic shocks.

She, however, said despite the laudable efforts to elevate the financial status of the poor and vulnerable, many of these classes of people were yet to be covered due to lack of funds.

Ms Bartholomew also thanked the federal government for prioritising women empowerment programmes to harness the potential of Nigerian women. 

(NAN)