The Senator Representing Delta North, Senatorial district, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, has called for the establishment of National Social Security Agency, repealing the Ministry of Humanitarian affairs to provide funding for the agency.
Nwoko in an exclusive interview on Wednesday, in Abuja said it has become expedient in the public interest to restructure the administration of social welfare in Nigeria to address the burgeoning challenges of poverty, unemployment, and social insecurity.
According to him, the current Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has been found insufficient in addressing the long-term needs of the vulnerable populations, particularly in a manner that guarantees respect for human dignity, social rights, and sustainable welfare systems.
”National Social Security Database” refers to the comprehensive data system containing the records of individuals who qualify for social security benefits under this Act.
”Federation Account” means the consolidated revenue fund of the Federal Government as provided under Section 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“First-line charge” means a compulsory deduction from the Federation Account prior to disbursement to the Federal, State, or Local Governments.
“Beneficiary”: Refers to an individual or group of individuals who receive social security benefits, including but not limited to cash transfers, health care, education, and other welfare services as defined under this Act.
•”Vulnerable Population” refers to individuals who are at risk of severe poverty, including but not limited to the unemployed, disabled, elderly, widows, orphans, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
•”Social Security”: Encompasses all forms of social protection measures, including contributory and non-contributory programs designed to provide financial assistance, healthcare, and social support to eligible individuals and families in need.
•”Social Security Fund”: Refers to the fund established under this Act, which will be utilized for the financing of social security benefits and related services.
•”Contribution”: Refers to any monetary payment made by individuals, employers, or the government into the Social Security Fund as prescribed in this Act.
•”Regulations”: Refers to rules and guidelines issued by the Agency or the Minister for the effective implementation of this Act.
•”Eligible Persons”: Refers to individuals who meet the criteria set forth in this Act to receive social security benefits.
Nwoko noted that the Agency shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal, with the power to sue and be sued in its corporate name.
“The Agency shall be directly under the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The National Social Security Agency shall assume all social welfare responsibilities currently vested in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, which shall hereby be dissolved.
” The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development is hereby dissolved and repealed.
“All powers, functions, assets, and liabilities previously vested in the Ministry under any statute or regulation shall immediately be transferred to the Agency established under this Act.
Any references to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development in any other law, regulation, or government document shall henceforth be construed as referring to the National Social Security Agency.
He said the bill will reduce crime and violence by addressing the root causes of poverty and economic deprivation.
