Adamawa, Borno Back ADHA's Bill on Social Protection

Cross Section of Stakeholders in Adamawa and Borno States respectively have thrown their weight behind a bill for a law to provide for Adamawa State Social Protection.

The stakeholders overwhelmingly supported the bill during public hearing organised by the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with GIZ.

The bill sponsored by the Majority Leader of the assembly, Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno (Demsa) seeks to provide a legal framework for the establishment, regulation and implementation of social protection in Adamawa state.

The event held at AUN Hotel in Yola, attracted several civil society organisations as well as government organisations, leadership of Adamawa and Borno state assemblies respectively.

During the event, the stakeholders who submitted and adopted their inputs forwarded to the committee for consideration.

Speaking while declaring the event open, the Speaker Adamawa  State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley applauded the event, saying it has provided opportunity to deliberate on the merits of the new legislation.

Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley, who was represented by the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Ahmed Jingi Belel (Maiha), told the gathering that the legislation will guarantee the welfare of more especially the poor and vulnerable citizens.

In his remarks, the Speaker Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, commended the Adamawa State House of Assembly for initiating the bill, saying Borno is currently in the process of developing its own sociąl protection law.

The Speaker who was represented by the Member representing Maiduguri Constituency, Hon. Ali Kotoko extolled the leadership of Adamawa assembly for organising the forum which provided a valuable learning opportunity for them.

He said, "We are particularly keen to draw from the experiences, consultations, and legislative insights gathered here today as we continue to shape our own framework. 

"The cooperation between our two Assemblies today demonstrates the spirit of regional collaboration, mutual learning, and shared commitment to improving the lives of our people.

"We recognize that effective social protection is not just about safety nets-it is about building resilience, for all empowering communities, and laying the groundwork for equitable development".

In his goodwill message, the representative of GIZ, Mahamane Brimaka, assured that GIZ will support the passage and implementation of the law.

Several speakers at the event submitted verbal and written inputs for consideration by the committee, and lauded the steps towards passing the bill.

In her welcome address, the Chairman of the committee who is also the Majority Leader of the assembly,  Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno, said that the event was organised to provide an inclusive platform where stakeholders including government agencies, development partners, and other citizens.

Hon. Kate Mamuno who represents Demsa Constituency at the assembly, said that the event will enable them contribute meaningfully to the shaping of this vital leqislation to guarantee a life of dignity, equity, and resilience especially women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

She also commended Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, led administration for the numerous social protection initiatives being implemented across the State.

She explained that the initiatives require a coherent legal framework to ensure sustainability, coordination, transparency, and long-term impact.

The female lawmaker said that the bill seeks to achieve the institutionalision of the delivery of social protection programmes, provide for clear roles and responsibilities, and that interventions reach those who need them most.

"As legislators, we believe that governance must be people-centered. Hence, this public hearing is designed to give voice to all stakeholders, ensuring that the final law reflects our shared aspirations and realities," she added.

She expressed her committee's profound appreciation to GIZ for its consistent partnership and technical support in strengthening legislative processes and social development initiatives in Adamawa.

Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno extended her gratitude to all stakeholders, colleagues from ADHA and Borno assemblies respectively, and assured that all the inputs gathered will be harmonized in order to form part of the law.