Social Protections: Coalition Organizes Budget Tracking for Kaduna MDAs
By: Femi Mustapha
The Kaduna Social Protection Accountability Coalition (KADSPAC) has commenced a two-day intensive budget monitoring and tracking for the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies responsible for Social Protection (SP) intervention in Kaduna State.
Speaking at the start of the engagement, the Chairman of KADSPAC Ms Jessica Bartholomew hinted that the Budget tracking would enable the MDAs to present to the public, funds allocated for social protections, the releases, cash backing, and budget performance.
Ms Bartholomew represented by Mikail Abdulrahaman, disclosed that the engagement was supported by Save the Children International (SCI) to update the participants on Tracking the 2023/2024 Social Protections Intervention budgets to raise the bar of transparency and accountability.
She explained that the Kaduna Social Protection Accountability Coalition (KADSPAC) is a network of active civil society and media partners working collaboratively to strengthen transparency and accountability in the social protection system in the state.
The coalition, according to her, with support from Save the Children has a goal of Improving coordination, transparency, and accountability in the delivery of social protection programs to benefit poor and vulnerable homes in Kaduna State.
The Chairman of the Evidence Committee of KADSPAC, Shola Ojo explained that the objectives of the engagement are to strengthen the accountability mechanism towards effective civil society and citizens’ engagement in the budgeting process, allocation, and cash backing for social protection programs in Kaduna State.
“Others include ascertaining the releases and cash backing of social protection intervention across line MDAs in 1st and 2nd quarters of 2024, to also determine the actual spending of the Kaduna government on social protection interventions in the state within the quarters in review and to come up with key evidence-based SP advocacy Asks to help address poverty in the state,” he said.
In his remarks, the State Coordinator of Kaduna State Social Protection Agency (KADSEPA), Umar Sani Maikudi said the meeting is not just an event but a critical step towards ensuring that social protection initiatives are transparent, accountable, and truly beneficial to the people of Kaduna State.
“In recent years, our state has made substantial progress in implementing social protection programs aimed at uplifting the most vulnerable members of our society.
“However, we must acknowledge that our journey towards inclusive development is ongoing. The task of ensuring that allocated resources reach their intended targets and are utilized effectively is paramount. Your presence here today signifies a collective commitment to this noble cause.
“By engaging in rigorous budget tracking, we can uncover insights, identify gaps, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability. This will ultimately enhance the impact of our social protection interventions, ensuring that they serve as a beacon of hope and support for those in need.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to KADSPAC and Save the Children International for their unwavering dedication and support. Your efforts in organizing this meeting are commendable and essential for driving forward our shared vision of a more equitable and just society.
“As we deliberate and collaborate over the next two days, I encourage each one of us to share our insights, experiences, and innovative ideas.
“Let us work together to build a robust framework for budget tracking that not only ensures financial accountability but also strengthens the trust of our citizens in the governance process.
“In conclusion, let us remember that our collective actions here will resonate far beyond these walls. They will shape the future of social protection in Kaduna State, ensuring that every naira spent, brings us closer to a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Many participants at the engagement expressed dismay over budget releases that are not cashback. This, according to them is responsible for low-budget performance in some MDAs
