President Bola Tinubu has officially submitted a letter to both the Senate and the House of Representatives, seeking their approval for the National Social Investment Programme Agency Establishment Amendment Bill [/b]2024. This bill, if passed, will amend the National Social Investment Programme Agency Act of 2023, as part of the government’s efforts to streamline the implementation of social welfare initiatives in Nigeria.
In his letter, addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Tinubu outlined the primary goal of the bill. He explained that the legislation is designed to make the National Social Register the central tool for targeting the beneficiaries of the various social investment programmes run by the government. By doing so, the government intends to ensure that these programmes are not only more effective but also more transparent and accessible to the citizens who need them the most.
The President highlighted the importance of this amendment in ensuring that Nigeria’s social welfare initiatives are data-driven and better equipped to provide targeted social protection for vulnerable populations across the country. According to Tinubu, this shift would enable the government to implement social protection measures in a more dynamic, responsive, and efficient manner, reaching those who are most in need of assistance.
The letter further stated, “Pursuant to Section 58(2) of the Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I forward, herewith, for the kind consideration and passage by the Senate, the National Social Investment Programme Agency (Establishment) (Amendment) Bill, 2024, for the amendment of the National Social Investment Programme Agency Act, 2023.”
He went on to explain that the bill’s main objective is to make the National Social Register the primary mechanism for implementing social investment programmes across the nation. This initiative aims to ensure that Nigeria’s social welfare programmes are underpinned by solid data, promoting transparent and effective delivery of services to vulnerable groups in society. With this change, the government hopes to foster more inclusive and equitable social protection schemes for the country’s marginalized populations.
In closing, the letter urged the Senate to give due and timely consideration to the proposal, emphasizing that the passage of this bill would greatly enhance the effectiveness of Nigeria’s social welfare systems. Tinubu concluded with a note of respect, saying, “While hoping that the Senate will consider this submission in the usual expeditious manner, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
