Cross River State Makes Strong Input At Zonal Consultative Review Of National Social Protection Policy
✓ Cross River’s delegation emphasises inclusive social care for vulnerable groups at Enugu meeting
By Amawu, Cletus Albert Amawu
ENUGU — Cross River State has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening social protection systems in Nigeria, following its active participation at the South-East and South-South Zonal Consultative Update of the National Social Protection Policy (NSPP), organised by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning with technical support from UNICEF.
Representing the state at the two-day meeting in Enugu, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Utibe-Abasi Bassey-Duke, said the review process provided a rare opportunity for States to contribute directly to shaping a more inclusive, responsive, and human-centred national policy.
In a sideline interview with EpistleNews, Bassey-Duke described the engagement as “a constructive platform where the voices of States, especially regarding vulnerable populations, were given the prominence they deserve.”
As the discussion progressed, she paid glowing tribute to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, noting that his administration has set a new tone for gender-responsive governance in the state.
According to her, “Governor Otu has demonstrated a progressive and deeply intentional commitment to gender mainstreaming. His vision is not merely to fill gaps but to build a system where women, girls, and all vulnerable persons can flourish.
“His support has empowered our office to drive meaningful interventions, strengthen institutional frameworks, and ensure that Cross River State continues to lead with purpose and compassion.”
She added that under his leadership, gender-focused policies are not treated as peripherals but as essential pillars of inclusive development.
Also Read: Utibe-Abasi Bassey-Duke Represents Cross River at National Workshop in Abuja
She further explained that Cross River State’s submissions at the consultation focused on enhancing the social care aspect of the national framework to ensure that the most at-risk groups are fully accommodated in the updated policy.
“We pushed strongly for a broadened and more realistic understanding of social care,” she noted.
“Women and girls, persons with disabilities, older persons, migrants, returnees, refugees, and internally displaced persons must not be left on the margins. Our position is that social protection must reflect lived realities, especially in a State like ours that hosts displaced populations and grapples with unique socio-economic vulnerabilities.”
Bassey-Duke added that the deliberations were timely and essential, given the increasing pressure on families and communities due to economic and humanitarian challenges across the country.
“The National Social Protection Policy can only be effective if it combines economic support with strong social care systems,” she stressed.
“Cross River State is committed to ensuring that both dimensions are fully prioritised, and we are glad that the Federal Government and UNICEF are facilitating such inclusive consultations.”
She also commended the organisers for creating a participatory atmosphere that allowed States to highlight gaps, propose reforms, and share best practices.
“The tone of the meeting was collaborative and forward-looking,” she said.
“We are confident that the updated policy will reflect the diverse perspectives that were brought to the table.”
The Zonal consultative update is part of a nationwide process to revise the 2017 National Social Protection Policy, aimed at strengthening institutional frameworks, improving coordination, and ensuring that vulnerable Nigerians are protected from shocks, poverty, and deprivation.
Officials note that Cross River State’s contributions align seamlessly with Governor Otu’s broader development philosophy, anchored on social inclusion, strengthened institutions, and a deliberate focus on protecting and uplifting vulnerable persons across the State.
