Lawmakers call for establishment of Plateau Social Protection Unit Law

Plateau lawmakers have called for the establishment of the Plateau State Social Protection Unit Law to promote social welfare and livelihood of the vulnerable.

Speaker of the Plateau House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan (YPP/ Pankshin North)) made the call in a Notice of Motion during the assembly plenary on Tuesday in Jos.

The speaker was supported by two other members, Mr Daniel Listick (LP/Langtang North Central) and Eli Ankala (APC/ Rukuba/Irigwe).

The lawmakers said the unit was a critical component of human development and a pillar of national development.

“When enacted into law, the bill will improve the quality of life of persons living under the internationally established poverty line and carter for the specific problems of the vulnerable groups.

“The bill, when passed into law, will reduce inequality by allowing a broader section of the society to benefit from economic growth.

“The bill, also when implemented, will bring about continuous inclusive economic growth in the state, improve nutritional outcomes and reduce barriers to accessing essential social services,” Dewan said.

He said it would equally translate to an administrative and financial organ and serve as a coordinating resource base alleviating poverty and hunger and ensuring equitable distribution.

He cited the success of the Federal Social Investment programme in Nigeria.

The speaker said that the programme enabled the extreme poor and vulnerable to manage risks better.

He said it also generated a wide range of positive economic and social impact among beneficiaries in Plateau.