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 raised 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.
She 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 while seconding the motion, described it as timely and critical to the collective wellbeing of the people of Kogi State.
In his contribution, 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.
“We are here for social protection. We are here to help the poor leave that label and secure their dignity. When our people are affected by floods or any natural disaster, our voices must reach the centre, and action must follow immediately,” he said.
Hon. Jibril 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.
He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for acknowledging the importance of social protection during the 2026 budget presentation, noting that the governor’s recognition of the issue further strengthens the urgency of the motion.
In his submission, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, noted that government has begun taking 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.
The move is aimed at strengthening Kogi State’s response to disasters, reducing poverty and improving the wellbeing of its people.
KOGI STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
MOTION ON THE NEED FOR THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOPAND IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICYFRAMEWORK IN KOGI STATE
3rd December, 2025
The Rt. Hon. Speaker, Distinguished Hon. Colleagues, eachtime disaster strikes in Kogi State-when raging floods sweep through Ibaji and families watch their homes,farms and memories disappear under water; when GSM Market in Lokoja is consumed by fire and traders lose in one night what took a lifetime to build; or when illnessforces struggling parents to choose between food and medicine – our people look up to government with hope in their eyes. What they find are well-meaning donations and goodwill that ease the pain for a moment but do not rebuild their lives. The painfual truth is that Kogi State has no structured system that guarantees steady, coordinated and lasting support for citizens when life’s shocks strike.
Whereas, Kogi State presently has no comprehensive and coordinated Social Protection Policy to guide and harmonize existing welfare interventions. What we currently have are fragmented and short-term empowerment programmes spread across different Ministries and Agencies. These efforts, though commendable, lack sustainability, monitoring and coordination. The absence of a defined framework means resources are not optimally targeted, and the poorest – particularly the aged, persons living with disabilities (PWDs), children, women and the less privileged – continue to remain excluded.
Whereas, social protection is not charity, it is a constitutional and developmental obligation. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended) clearly provides under Chapter II, Sections 16 and 17, that the State shall direct its policy towards ensuring the welfare and security of its citizens and protecting the rights of the disadvantaged. Also, the National Social Protection Policy (2022) recognizes social protection as a vital tool for reducing poverty, promoting inclusion and achieving several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably Goals 1,3,5, and 10,which relate to ending poverty, ensuring good health, gender equality and reducing inequality.
Whereas the reality in Kogi State today calls for urgent action. Communities in Ibaji, Kogi, Ajaokuta, Lokoja, Bassa and other riverine areas suffer recurrent flooding that destroys livelihoods. Many elderly people are left without care, and persons living with disabilities struggle daily to access basic services. These conditions expose the glaring need for an institutional mechanism that can respond swiftly and systematically to human suffering.
Whereas a State Social Protection Policy will provide that mechanism that will:
(a) define clear policy vision, objectives and strategies for social welfare and inclusion;
(b) establish coordination structures among MDAs, Local Governments, Civil Society and Development Partners;
(c) ensure efficient financing, monitoring and evaluation; and
(d) prioritize interventions for the most vulnerable groups, including the
elderly, PWDs,women and indigent households.
Whereas suchpolicy will also position Kogi State to align effectively with existing national frameworks and attract federal and international assistance from agencies such as NASSCO,UNICEF and the World Bank, which prioritize partnership with states that have clearly defined policy frameworks.
Whereas the benefits of a robust Social Protection Policy go beyond welfare. Itpromotes human capital development, enhances social cohesion and strengthens resilience during crises; be it natural disasters, health emergencies or economic shocks. In the long run, it will help reduce dependency,encourage productivity and contribute to peace and stability in our communities.
PRAYERS;
Be it, therefore, resolved by this Honourable House as follows:
1.That the State Government be urged to initiate the process of developing a comprehensive Social Protection Policy Framework to guide interventions targeted at poverty reduction and vulnerability management in the State.
2.That the State Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Mlinistry of Health, bemandated by the State Government to convene a multi-sectoral committee to draft the policy with inputs from civil society and development partners.
3.That the House Standing Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development be mandated to liaise with relevant MDAs and monitor progresson of this initiative and report back to the House within a reasonable timeframe.
I so move, Mr Speaker.
Rt Hon Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba,
Ibaji State Constituency.