By Austin Ogwuda
A Bill sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP Delta), seeking to establish the National Social Security Agency (NSSA) to replace the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs scaled through its First Reading during Thursday’s plenary at the Red Chambers (Senate).
In his Explanatory Memorandum, Senator Nwoko outlined the need to restructure Nigeria’s social welfare administration, citing the limitations of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in addressing the long-term needs of those in need.
He emphasized that a more sustainable approach is required to address issues of poverty, unemployment and social insecurity.
Titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Social Security Agency (NSSA), Repealing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and Providing for the Structure, Functions, and Funding of the National Social Security System’, the Bill aims to create a new Agency under the Office of the President.
The proposed Agency would be responsible for implementing a comprehensive social security system designed to ensure basic livelihood, dignity and support for vulnerable populations across Nigeria.
The Senator, noted for his philanthropic gestures through this Bill, seeks to introduce a more efficient and dignified system for providing support, rooted in respect for human dignity and social rights.
Recall that he had earlier raised this issue in an Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for a more effective and data-driven approach to social security in Nigeria.
The First Reading of this masses-oriented Bill marks a major step in ongoing discussions around reforming Nigeria’s welfare programmes.
