In a significant development, President Muhammadu Buhari took
a crucial step towards improving the
welfare of vulnerable Nigerians by seeking
the approval of the House of Representatives for an additional $800 million
loan for the National Social Safety Net Programme (NASSP) from the World Bank.
The President’s letter, titled “Request for Approval for Additional
Financing of National Social Safety Net Programme (Scale-Up),” was read by
Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila as the plenary session commenced.
President Buhari expressed his pleasure in forwarding the
request to the House, emphasizing that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had
approved the acquisition of an additional $800 million from the World Bank to
support the National Social Safety Net Programme (NASSP). The President
highlighted the urgent need for the House’s consideration and approval to
ensure the swift implementation of the program.
He further explained that the expanded coverage of the
shock-responsive Safety Net support under the NASSP would effectively assist
vulnerable Nigerians in managing the costs associated with meeting their basic
needs. Notably, through the conditional cash transfer window, the Federal
Government would transfer N5,000 per month to 10.2 million poor and low-income
households for a duration of six months, benefiting approximately 60 million
individuals. To ensure transparency and accountability, the funds would be
digitally transferred directly into the beneficiaries’ accounts and wallets.
President Buhari emphasized that the NASSP, being a social
intervention program, would stimulate activities within the informal sector,
enhance nutrition, improve health, and contribute to the overall human capital
development of households. He concluded his letter by inviting the House to
approve the additional loan facility of $800 million from the World Bank for
the implementation of the National Social Safety Net Programme (NASSP).
Alongside the loan request, the President transmitted the
Federal Fire and Rescue Service (Establishment) Bill 2022 to the House for
consideration. The bill aimed to establish a legal and institutional framework
for the Fire and Rescue Service, ensuring better emergency response and
protection across the nation.
The Speaker referred both the loan request and the bill to
the relevant committees for thorough examination and evaluation.
After the President’s letters were received, the House
adjourned the sitting indefinitely. However, the adjournment motion was not
without controversy. Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka moved the motion, citing the ongoing
induction of lawmakers as a reason for the adjournment. Deputy Speaker Hon.
Ahmed Wase opposed the motion, stating that the induction should not hinder the
House’s proceedings. Nevertheless, other lawmakers argued that it would be
unfair to continue with the sitting while members were expected to participate
in the induction.
Ultimately, a motion was passed to adjourn the House until
the conclusion of the induction, which was expected to end on Friday.
