Civil Society Groups Endorse Ned Nwoko's Proposal to Reform Humanitarian Ministry

 

A group of civil society organizations (CSOs), including community and faith-based groups, have backed Senator Ned Nwoko’s call to reform the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, offering practical and efficient solutions to address its challenges.

At a recent advocacy meeting, organized by the CSO coalition, experts and activists discussed Nwoko's open letter to the President, advocating for the dissolution of the Humanitarian Ministry. Prominent speakers such as Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, Ms. Boma Briggs, Eric Ogbekene, Emmanuel Onwubiko, and Dr. Ike Charles Okwobi, stressed the need for a more efficient and fair social welfare system.

Nwoko, representing the Delta North Senatorial District, proposed the establishment of a data-driven national social security system to provide long-term support to the unemployed and vulnerable. He noted that the bill, already under review in the National Assembly, has bipartisan backing. His proposal seeks to replace the current Ministry with a National Social Security Agency, under the President’s office, which would offer structured social assistance programs.

Accompanied by his wife Regina Daniels, Nwoko argued that social security should be recognized as a fundamental right, not charity. He highlighted that the new agency would provide a more sustainable solution, focusing on transparency and addressing the needs of marginalized groups.

He criticized the Ministry’s ad-hoc management of federal social welfare programs, expressing concern that vulnerable citizens have been overlooked. Nwoko emphasized that the new social security agency would follow global best practices, addressing unemployment and related insecurity through a more dignified and sustainable approach.

Nwoko's plan includes providing financial aid to unemployed individuals, with payments ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000. He emphasized that this support, unlike the minimum wage, is intended for those without income. For the plan to succeed, he stressed the importance of creating a credible national database to ensure fair distribution of resources.

He also proposed that the agency's funding would come from a 5% contribution from governments, businesses, and multinational corporations.

Several CSO coalitions, including God Nation, Media and Creativity for Social Consciousness Coalition, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), and Evergreen Initiative, voiced their support. Eric Ogbekene, a data expert, emphasized the role of data in identifying the challenges faced by unemployed and vulnerable groups. Dr. Okwobi advocated for technology-driven governance solutions, while Ms. Boma Briggs, speaking from Houston, underscored the value of unemployment benefits in helping individuals become self-sufficient.

The meeting concluded with a call to action, urging stakeholders to back Nwoko’s proposal. Participants emphasized that this data-driven strategy could significantly improve Nigeria’s social welfare system, ensuring equitable access to resources for all citizens.