Why Senator Ned Nwoko Bill To Establish National Social Security Agency Is Timely
Roaring again in his typical self in the Red Chambers last week, the Distinguish Senator Representing Delta North Senator Prince Ned Nwoko presented a bill to establish the National Social Security Agency (NSSA).
Tilted a bill for an act to establish the National Social Security Agency (NSSA) repealing the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and providing for the structure functions and funding of the National Security System. The proposed bill will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive social security system designed to ensure basic livelihood dignity and support for the vulnerable population across the Nigeria.
Social Welfare Programs (SWP) have been adopted in different countries with greater concern on comprehensive nature and eligibility requirements for those who will come under the coverage. A floor of minimum protection should be viewed as one of governments general responsibilities with respect to specific risk and in many countries the consensus holds that public duty extends to all those who are unable to care for themselves for whatever reason.
One of the major reasons the Distinguish Senator is seeking for the establishment of an agency that will handle social welfare is to properly have a database of population covered, eligibility criteria, levels of benefit, administrative procedures and sustainable financing that will make the special welfare have the needed impact among the populace.
With over 8 million Nigerians above 65 years, and a further 19 million persons living with different kinds of disability this proposed agency is timely as it would create a better platform for these persons to receive the requisite care.
Supporting this worthy idea further, it is a known fact that today the country lacks any package for the elderly with the conditional cash transfer to the poor an haphazard implemented scheme with little or no impact.
Again the implementation of this scheme will also provide appropriate data’s and proper documentation which is important to ensure sustainability and efficiency as lack of data has been one of the major problem facing the nation.
Success does not come cheap and we must understudy what has worked in other nations to implement same in our dear country ; Australia for example has a department called department of human service with a comprehensive package for the vulnerable population that includes ageing population, those who recently lost their job, support scheme for people who want to become independent from their parents etc. This is how a nation caters for the welfare of the vulnerable!
This worthy idea of the Senator should be applauded as this bill seek to ensure greater commitment to our less privileged population and ensure proper redistribution of our common wealth.
For an exposed lawyer with international reputation it is noteworthy the distinguished Senator is doing his best to bring home what is obtainable in the best of nations.
SENATOR NED NWOKO IS WORKING THE TALK!