Tinubu Seeks NASS Approval for Social Investment Programme Amendment Bill

President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the National Assembly’s approval of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (Establishment) Amendment Bill, 2024, aiming to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the government’s social welfare programmes.

The letters, addressed to Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, emphasize the significance of the proposed amendment in improving Nigeria’s social protection framework.

Focus on Transparency and Efficiency

According to the president, the bill seeks to designate the National Social Register as the primary tool for targeting beneficiaries under the federal government’s social investment initiatives. This shift will ensure that welfare programmes are:

Data-driven,
Targeted,
Transparent, and
Capable of delivering effective social protection to Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.

Tinubu stated, “This amendment will strengthen the framework for implementing the government’s social welfare programmes, ensuring our processes are dynamic and effective.”

Letter Highlights

The president’s letter, submitted in accordance with Section 58(2) of the Nigerian Constitution, read:

“The purpose of the bill is to make the National Social Register the primary targeting tool for the implementation of social investment programmes. This measure will ensure that our welfare initiatives are data-driven and effectively reach the most vulnerable Nigerians.”

He expressed confidence in the Senate’s expeditious consideration of the bill, stressing the importance of ensuring the effectiveness of welfare initiatives under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Reinforcing Social Protection Goals

The proposed amendment builds on the National Social Investment Programme Agency Act, 2023, with the overarching goal of creating a robust system for addressing poverty and inequality in Nigeria.

This development underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to enhancing the delivery of social welfare benefits and fostering inclusivity for vulnerable groups across the nation.