Kogi Assembly Seeks Inclusive Social Protection Policy For Vulnerable Residents

The Kogi State House of Assembly has called on the state government to develop and implement a comprehensive Social Protection Policy Framework to address recurring social and economic vulnerabilities confronting residents across the state.

The call followed a motion on Wednesday, moved during plenary by the Deputy Speaker and member representing Ibaji State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba.

Presenting the motion, Hon. Egwaba drew attention to the persistent humanitarian challenges in Kogi, including devastating floods in riverine communities such as Ibaji, Kogi, Bassa and Ajaokuta, as well as fire outbreaks like the incident that ravaged the GSM Market in Lokoja.

According to her, while individuals, organisations, and government usually respond to crises with goodwill gestures and donations, the State lacks a coordinated and sustainable framework capable of providing long-term relief and recovery for affected citizens.

The lawmaker noted that current welfare and empowerment programmes remain fragmented across different ministries and agencies, with little coordination, monitoring and sustainability.

Citing Sections 16 and 17 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the lawmaker stressed that social protection is not an act of charity, but a constitutional and developmental obligation of government.

Member representing Olamaboro State Constituency, Hon. Ujah Alewo Anthony, who seconded the motion, described it as timely and critical to the collective well-being of the people of Kogi State.

In his contribution, the member representing Ajaokuta State Constituency, Hon. Jibril Abu, said the primary duty of lawmakers is to protect the vulnerable and provide a pathway for citizens to rise above poverty.

“When our people are affected by floods or any natural disaster, our voices must reach the centre, and action must follow immediately,” he said.

Abu noted that social protection should not be confused with the distribution of palliatives, but rather a structured, strategic and sustainable system for protecting lives and livelihoods.

In his submission, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, noted that government has taken steps in the area of social protection, adding that a clearer picture would emerge when the Assembly reviews the 2026 budget in detail.

The House resolved to mandate relevant ministries to set up a multi-sectoral committee to draft the policy and directed its Standing Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development to monitor the process.