The House of Representatives has reassured Nigerians of its commitment in alleviating many individuals from poverty in the country.
The Speaker Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, stated this at a public hearing on a Bill to establish the National social investment programmes for the Assistance and empowerment of the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria.
Mr Gbajabiamila, who was represented by the House Leader Alhassan Dogowa added that the commitment is essential to fulfilling the Parliament’s constitutional obligation to ensure the wellbeing of Nigerians.
The Chairman of the House Committees on Poverty Alleviation and Labour and Productivity, Alh Abdullahi Salame, said there is need to establish a coordinating office in the relevant ministry in charge of humanitarian affairs to derive maximum output in the efforts of the government on the issue.
The permanent secretary Ministry of Humanitarian affairs disaster management and preparedness Bashir Alkali, noted that the legal framework will guide the ministry to achieve sustainability for its programmes for the benefits of the Masses.
Other stakeholders like the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC and the National Youths Service Corps NYSC lauded the proposal by the House to amend the existing law to mainstream poverty eradication issues in Nigeria saying that it is well conceived.
Dominica Nwabufo
