Oyo Assembly pledges swift passage of social protection bill

By Bode Akinbode, Ibadan

The Oyo State House of Assembly (OYHA) has assured that the proposed Social Protection Bill will receive accelerated consideration once it is formally drafted and submitted by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

The assurance was given by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, during an interactive session with lawmakers on social protection, organised by the Ministry in collaboration with UNICEF and the European Union Support to Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (EU-SUSI).

Represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Soji Adedoyin, Ogundoyin said the Assembly recognises its role in providing a legal framework to ensure continuity and sustainability of social protection programmes beyond changes in government.

“The Assembly is ready to give this bill accelerated passage because of its importance to the people of Oyo State, especially the vulnerable, including children, women and the economically disadvantaged,” he said, adding that members are already being sensitised and prepared to act swiftly once the bill is presented.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr. Seun Ashamu, said the state has implemented various programmes, including cash transfers, the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme and agricultural support initiatives. The proposed bill aims to consolidate these into a unified, coordinated social protection system accessible to the poor and vulnerable.

“The objective is to institutionalise and integrate these programmes into a unified system that will ensure sustainability and long-term impact,” Ashamu said, noting that the initiative is driven in partnership with UNICEF and the European Union.

UNICEF Lagos Office Social Policy Manager, Muhammad Okorie, commended the state government’s commitment through policy and budgetary provisions but stressed the need for legal backing.

“Without solid legal backing, governance structures and predictable financing, social protection programmes remain exposed to policy changes and economic shocks, affecting the most vulnerable,” he said, expressing confidence that the bill would receive speedy legislative attention.