HURIWA backs Ned Nwoko’s call to replace Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with National Social Security Agency

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has backed a recent proposal presented by Senator Ned Nwoko for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to be replaced with a National Social Security Agency under the Office of the president.

HURIWA highlighted the urgent need to reimagine Nigeria’s approach to social welfare as the nation faces worsening poverty, widespread unemployment, and a pervasive sense of despair among its citizens.

DAILY POST reports that in an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, had emphasized the need for a fundamental overhaul of Nigeria’s social safety net.

He argued that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, despite its intentions, has failed to address the root causes of poverty and social insecurity.

The lawmaker proposed establishing a National Social Security Agency, which would provide a more sustainable and dignified solution to social welfare and align Nigeria with global best practices in social security management.

And in a statement signed by its National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko and made available to the media on Monday, HURIWA echoed Senator Nwoko’s sentiments.

The group stressed that social security is a fundamental right of every Nigerian citizen while criticizing the existing model of social support which it describes as a “patronizing and demeaning approach” that perpetuates dependency.

HURIWA argued that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs symbolizes this flawed system, where temporary relief measures have replaced long-term empowerment and self-sufficiency.

The group outlined several reasons why President Tinubu should implement Senator Nwoko’s recommendations.

The association emphasized that “creating a National Social Security Agency would represent a significant shift from the charity-oriented framework currently dominating Nigeria’s social welfare landscape.

“Unlike the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, which is seen as a temporary solution to immediate crises, the proposed agency would institutionalize a rights-based approach to social support, restoring the dignity of vulnerable Nigerians who deserve to be treated as citizens with inherent rights rather than dependents on state benevolence.

HURIWA highlighted that the proposed agency, through a centralized National Social Security Database, “would be better equipped to identify and address the needs of Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, disabled, widows, orphans, unemployed, and internally displaced persons (IDPs). The association stressed that these groups, who have been historically marginalized, would benefit immensely from a system designed to provide sustainable, long-term support rather than ad-hoc assistance that often fails to reach those most in need.”

It also praised the proposal’s “focus on using accurate, up-to-date data facilitated by the National Identification Number (NIN) to ensure that social security benefits reach those who genuinely need them, emphasizing “that reliable data is crucial for eliminating fraud, reducing duplication of efforts, and ensuring efficient and effective use of resources. Integrating NIN into the social security framework, HURIWA argued, would enhance transparency and accountability, two key elements currently lacking in the existing system.

“Another critical aspect of Senator Nwoko’s proposal that HURIWA endorsed is the sustainable funding model for the National Social Security Agency.

HURIWA said that the proposed National Social Security Agency has the potential to address some of the root causes of social unrest in Nigeria, pointing out that many protests and agitations currently plaguing the nation are driven by deep-seated hunger, poverty, and hopelessness.

“By guaranteeing the basic needs of food, shelter, and security, the agency would help alleviate these pressures and create a more stable and peaceful society,” it added.