Nigeria Heads ECOWAS Committee On Social Protection

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has emerged the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Inter- Ministerial Committee on Social Protection.

Edu became chairman of the committee following the approval of the chairman of ECOWAS’ Heads of State and Governments President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

After her appointment in Banjul, The Gambia, at the closing session of the hybrid inter-ministerial meeting to adopt the ECOWAS regional social protection framework and operational plan, Edu said the adoption of the social protection framework by member countries and full implementation are central to overcoming humanitarian and poverty challenges in West Africa.

She called for private sector and development partners’ involvement in regional social protection framework.

The minister harped on the need for member countries to work towards achieving maximum social protection in the sub-region.

Describing the meeting as crucial and remarkable as it is expected to grow the great initiatives and long-term efforts of the ECOWAS Commission with the support of partners in birthing the social protection instruments in the sub-sub-region, the minister who chaired the event virtually said, “Social protection is a fundamental human right and should not be regarded as a privilege. It is a social and economic necessity that has proven to be a stabiliser in times of crisis and shock, and it is meant to be provided throughout life circle.”