The Bauchi State Commissioner of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Aminu Hammayo has advocated for effective implementation of Social Protection Policy and a strong social budget framework.at both Federal and State Governments as another avenue to mitigate excess poverty level in the North East region of Nigeria.
Hammayo stated this while delivering a goodwill message at the Northeast-states Strategic Policy Dialogue on Social Budgeting for Child-Sensitive Sectors organized by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Bauchi field office in Gombe State Wednesday.
According to him, a significant percentage of the population in Nigeria is in extreme poverty which is also expected to rise because of the high rate of inflation and currency devaluation and that, as such, it has become imperative to have a strong budgeting policies on social protection put in place.
The Commissioner said for Northeast as a region, the poverty line is quite high and alarming as reflected in the multi dimensional indices and especially child MPI.
He said the negative indices calls for stakeholders in the region to have a common voice and a defined plan of action to take to move the region forward.
The Commissioner who commended UNICEF for organizing the dialogue also thanked Gombe State Government for hosting it as well as his colleagues from the other state of the Northeast region for finding time to attend.
He said Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state is highly committed to the plights of the children and the general wellbeing of the citizens.
On his part, the Officer -In-Charge (OIC) of UNICEF Bauchi office, Mohammed Kamfut, stressed the need for improved budgeting and funding for Child responsive interventions to curb child poverty in the Northeast region.
Kamfut who was represented by Dr. Yusuf Auta, Policy Specialist Bauchi Field Office of UNICEF said the dialogue is expected to brainstorm on how to improve the lives of children in Northeast Nigeria.
He pointed out that the dialogue brings together a diverse group of stakeholders who are actively engaged in budget development and implementation.
According to him, the dialogue aims to collaboratively chart a pathway for adequate and sustainable financing of the social sectors in the region.
He said over the past 30 years, global efforts have consistently aimed to honor commitments to children which include taking all necessary measures to safeguard and advance their rights, ensuring they have the resources to survive, develop, and thrive, as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
