A bill to establish a Social Welfare Service aimed at reducing extreme poverty in Nigeria has scaled its second reading in the Senate. Sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the legislation seeks to create a centralized, data-driven institution to manage welfare programs across the nation.
Senator Kalu emphasized that millions of Nigerians still lack basic necessities despite past efforts, stating, “What is missing is a centralised, coordinated, and data-driven institution to manage social welfare programs. This bill provides exactly that.” The service would oversee various aid initiatives.