HURIWA backs Nwoko’s call for national social security agency

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has endorsed Senator Ned Munir Nwoko’s proposal to replace the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with a National Social Security Agency under the Office of the President.

HURIWA’s endorsement highlighted the urgent need to reimagine Nigeria’s approach to social welfare as the nation faces worsening poverty, widespread unemployment, and a pervasive sense of despair among its citizens.

The group noted that in an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, emphasised the need for a fundamental overhaul of Nigeria’s social safety net.

He argued that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, despite its intentions, has failed to address the root causes of poverty and social insecurity. The Senator proposed establishing a National Social Security Agency, which would provide a more sustainable and dignified solution to social welfare and align Nigeria with global best practices in social security management.

HURIWA echoed Senator Nwoko’s sentiments, stressing that social security is a fundamental right of every Nigerian citizen.

The association criticised the existing model of social support, describing it as a “patronising and demeaning approach” that perpetuates dependency.

HURIWA argued that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs symbolises this flawed system, where temporary relief measures have replaced long-term empowerment and self-sufficiency.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA outlined several reasons why President Tinubu should implement Senator Nwoko’s recommendations.

The association emphasised that creating a National Social Security Agency would represent a significant shift from the charity-oriented framework currently dominating Nigeria’s social welfare landscape. Unlike the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, which is seen as a temporary solution to immediate crises, the proposed agency would institutionalise a rights-based approach to social support, restoring the dignity of vulnerable Nigerians who deserve to be treated as citizens with inherent rights rather than dependents on state benevolence.

HURIWA highlighted that the proposed agency, through a centralised National Social Security Database, would be better equipped to identify and address the needs of Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, disabled, widows, orphans, unemployed, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The association stressed that these groups, who have been historically marginalised, would benefit immensely from a system designed to provide sustainable, long-term support rather than ad-hoc assistance that often fails to reach those most in need.

HURIWA also praised the proposal’s focus on using accurate, up-to-date data facilitated by the National Identification Number (NIN) to ensure that social security benefits reach those who genuinely need them.

The association emphasised that reliable data is crucial for eliminating fraud, reducing duplication of efforts, and ensuring efficient and effective use of resources.

Integrating NIN into the social security framework, HURIWA argued, would enhance transparency and accountability, two key elements currently lacking in the existing system.

Another critical aspect of Senator Nwoko’s proposal that HURIWA endorsed is the sustainable funding model for the National Social Security Agency.

The association noted that the compulsory 5 percent first-line charge deductions from federal, state, and local government allocations, combined with contributions from private individuals and businesses, would create a robust and reliable funding source for the agency.

HURIWA argued that this model would ensure that the social security system is adequately financed and enjoys broad-based support from all sectors of society.

The emphasised that the proposed National Social Security Agency has the potential to address some of the root causes of social unrest in Nigeria.
The association pointed out that many protests and agitations currently plaguing the nation are driven by deep-seated hunger, poverty, and hopelessness.

According to the group, by guaranteeing the basic needs of food, shelter, and security, the agency would help alleviate these pressures and create a more stable and peaceful society.

HURIWA asserted that when citizens are confident their fundamental needs will be met, they are more likely to engage constructively in the nation’s development rather than resorting to desperate measures for survival.

The group urged President Tinubu to view the establishment of a National Social Security Agency as a legacy project that could define his administration’s commitment to social justice and equitable governance. The association noted that such a reform would set a new standard for governance in Nigeria and position the President as a champion of the poor and vulnerable.

By taking this bold step, HURIWA argued, President Tinubu would be remembered as a leader who truly understood and addressed the needs of his people.

In conclusion, the group reiterated its full support for Senator Ned Munir Nwoko’s call to replace the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with a National Social Security Agency under the Office of the President.

The association called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seize this opportunity to implement a transformative reform that would uplift millions of Nigerians out of poverty, restore their dignity, and lay the foundation for a more equitable and just society.