The Oyo State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, under the leadership of Commissioner Seun Ashamu, has initiated a significant reform aimed at establishing a comprehensive Social Protection Law in the state.
The reform, conceived by the Ministry, seeks to strengthen and restructure the existing social security framework by harmonising various social intervention programmes into a unified legal system. This move is designed to ensure sustainability, continuity, and long-term impact of government welfare initiatives across Oyo State.
To advance the process, the Ministry organised a high-level stakeholders’ retreat in collaboration with UNICEF and the European Union Support to Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria.
The engagement brought together members of the Oyo State House of Assembly and other key stakeholders to deliberate on the framework and expectations of the proposed bill.
Speaking during the retreat, Ashamu emphasized that the initiative is focused on institutionalising social protection in the state.
“This initiative is about institutionalising social protection in Oyo State. We are working to integrate existing programmes into a single, coordinated system that guarantees continuity, accessibility, and sustainability,” he stated.
He noted that Oyo State has implemented several intervention programmes over the years, including cash transfers, the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme, and agricultural support initiatives. He added that the Social Protection Bill will ensure continuity and improved coordination of these programmes for greater impact.
Ashamu further explained that the bill would make social protection a statutory responsibility, guaranteeing consistent funding and effective implementation.
In response, the
Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, assured that the legislature would give the bill accelerated consideration once formally presented. Represented by the Majority Leader, Soji Adedoyin, the Speaker commended the Ministry for proactively engaging lawmakers ahead of submission.
“As custodians of executive bills, we are ready to give this bill accelerated passage because of its importance to the people of Oyo State, especially the vulnerable,” he said.
He also assured that the Assembly would not delay legislative action and would provide necessary oversight to ensure proper implementation.
Also speaking, the Social Policy Manager of UNICEF Lagos Office, Muhammad Okorie, praised the Ministry’s leadership in driving social protection reforms. He stressed the importance of legal backing in translating policy intentions into tangible benefits for vulnerable populations.
Okorie expressed confidence that the bill would receive swift legislative attention, noting the level of stakeholder engagement already facilitated by the Ministry.
