By Itam Offor
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – In its continued commitment to the welfare of the citizens, the Cross River State House of Assembly has passed the Social Protection and Investment Programme Bill 2025.
The bill aims to assist and empower the poor and vulnerable in the State, while providing a permanent legal framework for social welfare initiatives to ensure their continuity, transparency, and implementation.
The House passed the bill after deliberating on the report of the joint committee on Women Affairs, Gender Development, Humanitarian Affairs, Social Welfare, and Commerce and Industry, presented by the Chairman, Hon. Mercy Mbang Akpama, representing Yakurr II State Constituency.
In her report, Hon. Akpama stated that, through the establishment of the proposed Agency, the Government will ensure the equitable distribution of resources to the vulnerable population, including youths, children, women, petty traders, the physically challenged, the aged and other persons as the Agency may identify.
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She added that the Bill also seeks to institutionalise the Social Investment Programme that supports the poor, provide cash transfers, strengthen school feeding, improve livelihoods and ensure that the vulnerable are cared for.
The Yakurr II lawmaker further stressed that, the bill aligns with global best practices and offers Cross River State an opportunity to become a leading State in sub-national social protection.
According to Akpama, the bill, when passed into law, will provide a platform for human capital development, where skills acquisition programmes can be carried out, and beneficiaries thereafter, will be empowered with the necessary tools and equipment towards improving their livelihoods.
Lawmakers, in their support noted that the bill aligns with both national and global practices, adding that it will create more innovative opportunities for the teeming youths and the unemployed.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, while commending the joint committee for diligence, expressed enthusiasm over the passage of the bill.
He reaffirmed the 10th Assembly’s commitment to the welfare of the citizens in line with the “People’s First” mantra of State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu.
