The suspension of both the Minister and the dismissal of the National Coordinator of the Social Investment Program led to the cessation of these crucial assistance programs.
The House of Representatives has asked the federal government to immediately resume the disbursement of funds for the N-Power and other Social Investment Programmes (SIP) to cushion the effects of hardship faced by vulnerable Nigerians.
The lawmakers made the call sequel to a motion of urgent national importance brought by Rep. Billy Osawaru (LP, Edo) at Wednesday’s plenary session. Osawaru emphasised that recommencing the payments for these programs would significantly mitigate poverty and hunger across the nation.
OrderPaper recalls that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on the 8 of January 2024 suspended the country’s minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Ms Beta Edu over the use of a private bank account for ministry financial transactions in the government’s social welfare program. The suspension of both the Minister and the dismissal of the National Coordinator of the Social Investment Program led to the cessation of these crucial assistance programs.
The Edo lawmaker, in his debate, noted that the exacerbated hardships faced by beneficiaries posed a threat of social unrest as he highlighted the recent incidents of looting of warehouses and food trucks in various cities, signalling the urgent need to address the escalating hunger and suffering among Nigerians.
He also stressed that resuming the Social Investment Programmes would not only address immediate needs but also contribute to the stability and development of the nation by ensuring equitable distribution of wealth.
Adding that the proposed establishment of a steering committee overseen by the Minister of Finance to supervise the programs, deeming it abnormal. They argued that any changes to the oversight of these programs should be legislated and not merely executed by the executive branch.
“While there may be legislative actions to amend the National Social Investment Programme Agency Act 2023, up until the Act is completely amended, and enacted, the current status quo cannot be reviewed by mere executive action; Relieved that the interim report of the 6-man probe panel appointed by Mr. President to investigate the allegations surrounding the embattled Minister has recommended the resumption of the programme,’’ the motion read.
In its resolution, the House urged the federal government to expedite the investigation into the Minister’s conduct and advised against the establishment of the proposed Steering Committee Board until legislative amendments are made.
