Oyo Assembly Promises Accelerated Passage Of Social Protection Bill

The Oyo State House of Assembly (OYHA) has assured that the proposed Social Protection Bill will receive accelerated consideration and prompt passage once it is formally drafted and transmitted by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

The Speaker of the House, Adebo Ogundoyin, gave the assurance during an interactive session with lawmakers on social protection, organised by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with UNICEF and the European Union Support to Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (EU-SUSI).

Represented by the majority leader and member representing Ogbomoso South Constituency, Soji Adedoyin, the speaker noted that the Assembly recognises its responsibility in providing a legal framework that would guarantee the continuity and sustainability of social protection programmes beyond changes in government.

He explained that the speed of passage would depend on the timely completion and submission of the draft bill by the ministry.

“As custodians of executive bills, we are ready to give this bill accelerated passage because of its importance to the people of Oyo State, especially the vulnerable, including children, women and the economically disadvantaged,” he said.

Ogundoyin assured that the Assembly would not delay legislative action on the bill and would also ensure proper oversight of its implementation in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

He added that members of the House are already being sensitised and are prepared to act swiftly once the bill is presented.

In his keynote address, the commissioner for budget and economic planning, Seun Ashamu, stressed the need to harmonise existing social protection initiatives into a single legal framework.

He said the state government had over the years implemented various programmes, including conditional and unconditional cash transfers, the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme, and agricultural support initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of residents.

According to him, the proposed bill seeks to consolidate these interventions into a coordinated and inclusive system that will be easily accessible to the poor and vulnerable across the state.

“The objective is to institutionalise and integrate these programmes into a unified social protection system that will ensure sustainability and long-term impact,” he said.

Ashamu added that the initiative is being driven in partnership with UNICEF and the European Union, noting that the engagement with lawmakers is to facilitate better understanding and ensure smooth passage of the bill.

He further explained that the bill would make social protection a statutory responsibility of government, guaranteeing sustained funding and implementation regardless of changes in administration.

Also speaking, the social policy manager, UNICEF Lagos Office, Mr. Muhammad Okorie, commended the Oyo State Government for its commitment to social protection through policy direction and budgetary provisions.

He noted that significant allocations to education, healthcare and social protection in the 2025 budget reflect the government’s dedication to improving the welfare of its citizens.

Okorie, however, pointed out the need to bridge the gap between budgetary provisions and actual impact on vulnerable populations, stressing the importance of legislative backing.

“Without a solid legal framework, clear governance structure and predictable financing, social protection programmes remain exposed to policy changes and economic shocks, often affecting the most vulnerable,” he said.

He added that UNICEF has been supporting the state in strengthening social protection systems and emphasised that legal backing is the next critical step to ensure continuity and effectiveness.

Okorie expressed confidence that the bill would receive speedy legislative attention, noting the commitment shown by lawmakers.