Social security must be entitlement in Nigeria – Senator Nwoko

The lawmaker representing Delta North senatorial district, Senator Ned Nwoko, has called for Nigeria to implement a robust social security system to assuage the suffering of poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

Nwoko, who recently wrote an open letter to President Bola Tinubu on the need to scrap the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and replace it with the Social Security Agency, said social security must be an entitlement in the country. He hinged his call on what he described as the failure to ensure the provision of basic needs to vulnerable Nigerians.

Speaking on Arise Television, Nwoko lamented that while service to the people remains the primary reason for governments worldwide, in Nigeria, the government does not think it is responsible to the people, especially the vulnerable citizens.

He criticised the government’s failure to meet the basic needs of vulnerable citizens and noted the need for a reliable database to support those in need.

He said, “I understand what every responsible government should do. The government is to provide for the people and ensure a conducive environment. In Nigeria, the government doesn’t think it is responsible for the people, especially the vulnerable.”

While urging the government to create a reliable, credible database with the details of everybody in it, including those needing essential support, Nwoko said, “The government must see itself as having an obligation to provide for Nigerians in need.”

Nwoko argued that despite its wealth, Nigeria suffers from poor resource redistribution. He believes that effective redistribution and regular financial support for citizens would reduce crime and enhance living standards.

The philanthropist lawmaker faulted those who likened Nigeria to a poor nation, insisting that the country has money. He said the key challenge was not a lack of funds but a lack of redistribution.

He added: “There is a need for redistribution of this money. That is all I am talking about. Plans must exist to solve some challenging problems in the country, and redistributing the money in the system can guarantee that.”

He also stressed the importance of government responsibility in protecting the vulnerable and ensuring equitable resource distribution. “The government should protect people who are vulnerable, in need, and have nothing to fall on,” he added.