Nwoko Advocates for National Social Security Agency to Replace Humanitarian Affairs Ministry

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replace the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with a National Social Security Agency directly under the President’s office.

In an open letter to the President, Nwoko criticized the ministry’s reliance on charitable donations, arguing that it demeans recipients and perpetuates poverty. He described the current system as failing to address core issues and fostering dependency.

Nwoko emphasized that the outcry from Nigerians reflects a widespread frustration with living without basic needs and a secure future. He proposed that social security should be viewed not as charity but as a fundamental right. 

He suggested that the establishment of a National Social Security Agency would provide a more efficient and respectful approach, ensuring that vulnerable populations, including the elderly, disabled, widows, orphans, and the unemployed, receive proper support. This agency would maintain offices in all 774 local government areas and manage a comprehensive database to address needs related to housing, employment, and healthcare.

Nwoko criticized the existing model for creating dependence and misallocating funds, advocating for a transformative shift towards empowering individuals rather than offering temporary relief. He stressed that a new framework should recognize social security as a right and enable the government to focus on broader governance issues.