Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kehinde Akintola
Published on 2024-03-13 17:22:25
The House of Representatives has called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resume the implementation of the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIPs) to address the growing hardship faced by Nigerians nationwide. This resolution was passed after the adoption of a motion of Urgent Public Importance.
The lawmakers noted that the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) enabling Act was established in 2023 to combat poverty and hunger in the country and ensure a fairer distribution of resources to vulnerable populations, including children, youth, and women. However, concerns arose regarding the mismanagement of NSIP funds, leading to the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu.
The lawmakers opposed the proposal of a 6-man Presidential Panel to set up a Steering Committee to oversee the implementation of social investment programmes. They highlighted the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development earlier this year, as well as the replacement of the Chief Executive Officer and National Coordinator of NSIP Agency with new appointees.
The House expressed worry that the suspension of government interventions like the N-Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, and Home Grown School Feeding Programme during a time of increasing hardship could exacerbate the suffering of vulnerable populations and potentially lead to heightened poverty levels, social unrest, and overall negative impacts on the country’s stability and development.
The House welcomed the interim report of the 6-man probe panel recommending the resumption of the NSIP programmes but raised concerns about the alleged recommendation for a new steering committee board under the Ministry of Finance to oversee the programmes, citing a violation of the existing law that places these programmes under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
To address these concerns, the House urged the Federal Government to expedite the investigation of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation while directing a serving Minister of State to oversee approvals and implementation of NSIP to alleviate the suffering experienced by vulnerable Nigerians. They also called for the suspension of the proposed new steering committee board under the Ministry of Finance, emphasizing the need to adhere to the existing law.
In conclusion, the House emphasized the importance of resuming the NSIP programmes to mitigate the current challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Nigeria. The reinstatement of these programmes is seen as crucial in alleviating hunger, reducing suffering, and promoting social stability and development in the country.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
