The Oyo State House of Assembly has assured residents that the proposed Social Protection Bill will receive speedy legislative attention once it is transmitted by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, gave the assurance during an interactive session on social protection held with lawmakers in Oyo.
The engagement was organised by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in partnership with UNICEF and the European Union Support to Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria.
Represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Soji Adedoyin, the Speaker said the Assembly is committed to providing a legal framework that will ensure continuity of social protection programmes, regardless of changes in government.
“As custodians of executive bills, we are prepared to give the Social Protection Bill accelerated passage because of its importance to the people of Oyo State, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, children and the economically disadvantaged,” he said.
Ogundoyin noted that the pace of legislative action would depend on how quickly the draft bill is finalised and forwarded by the ministry, adding that lawmakers are already being sensitised in preparation for its consideration.
He also assured that the Assembly would not only fast-track the bill but also provide effective oversight to ensure proper implementation in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Seun Ashamu, emphasised the need to unify existing social protection programmes under a single legal framework.
According to him, the state has implemented several initiatives over the years, including cash transfer schemes, the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme, and agricultural support programmes aimed at improving residents’ welfare.
“The objective is to institutionalise and integrate these programmes into a unified social protection system that will ensure sustainability and long-term impact,” Ashamu said.
He explained that the proposed legislation seeks to harmonise these interventions into a more coordinated and inclusive system that is accessible to vulnerable populations across the state.
Ashamu added that the initiative is being driven in collaboration with UNICEF and the European Union, noting that the engagement with lawmakers was designed to enhance understanding and facilitate a smooth legislative process.
Also speaking, UNICEF Social Policy Manager in Lagos, Muhammad Okorie, commended the state government’s commitment to social protection, citing notable allocations to education, healthcare and welfare programmes in the 2025 budget.
He, however, stressed the importance of translating budgetary provisions into tangible benefits for vulnerable citizens, noting that legal backing is essential.
“Without a solid legal framework, clear governance structure and predictable financing, social protection programmes remain exposed to policy changes and economic shocks,” Okorie said.
He expressed optimism that the proposed bill would receive prompt legislative approval, given the commitment demonstrated by lawmakers.
The Social Protection Bill is expected to provide a statutory framework for the funding and implementation of welfare programmes in Oyo State, ensuring their sustainability over time.
