The Speaker of Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Tukur Bodinga, has pledged legislative backings for the implementation of Social Protection Policy in Sokoto state.
Bodinga made the pledge on Wednesday when he received members of State Technical Working Committee (TWC) on Social Protection during a advocacy visit to the House of Assembly as part of the effort to uplift peoples wellbeing in the state.
The speaker reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th State Assembly to support all necessary actions that prioritize the welfare of constituents, including innovative financing for social initiatives.
He expressed optimism that the house would consider the establishment of new house committee on social protection in addition to the existing social welfare committee, and committed to reviewing the proposal made by the TWC.
Bodinga highlighted the importance of capacity building in social protection for assembly members and appreciated the commitment of TWC to organize a capacity building for the committee on social protection.
” This proposed committee will play a vital role in drafting legislation aimed at addressing pressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and vulnerabilities in our community, ultimately enhancing the well-being of our residents.
”The committee’s oversight capabilities can support on having increased budget allocation for social protection initiatives and ensure effective coordination among government ministries, the private sector, and development partners,” the Speaker said.
According to him, these collaborative efforts were crucial for facilitating access to healthcare, education, poverty alleviation programs, job opportunities, and skills training that are essential components for sustainable development and the overarching goal of eradicating poverty.
Earlier, a Child Protection Specialist from the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF), Mr Isa Ibrahim, underscored the importance of collaborative approach to secure support from executive and legislatives to obtain a people-centered framework.
Ibrahim explained that in 2022, the Sokoto state government had approved the State Policy on Social Protection following extensive consultations involving stakeholders across the three senatorial districts.
He said based on reports Sokoto state faces a significant challenge, with the highest poverty rate in Nigeria (NBS, 2022), affecting around 90% of its population, approximately 6 million individuals.
” The social protection systems, including the policy, aim to address various needs, such as unemployment, healthcare, and educational access, with the intent of promoting social cohesion and improving living standards for all citizens.
” Parliamentarian have a crucial role in advocating for the well-being of vulnerable populations and collaborating with the executive and judiciary to enact effective measures against poverty.
” Some states, such as Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, and Zamfara, already have parliamentary committees on social protection responsible for drafting legislation to tackle high poverty levels, inequality, and vulnerabilities, thereby improving the overall well-being of residents, ” Ibrahim said.
He highlighted that through such committee, parliament can mirror the efforts of government ministries, the private sector, and development partners.
He noted that such effort especially regarding corporate social responsibility would help the poor and vulnerable persons more access to healthcare, education, poverty reduction programmes, job opportunities, and skills training that support sustainable development and the goal of no poverty.
He urged Speaker to support the establishment of the committee as well as expediting the release of the budgeted funds for social protection for 2025.
The Newsmen reports that Alhaji Sani Abdullahi, the Director Planing led other committee members from the state ministry of budget and economic planing, other lineup ministries and agencies, representatives of community based organizations and Journalists.
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