The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed a bill to establish the Social Protection and Investment Programme Agency, aimed at strengthening welfare delivery and reducing poverty across the state.
The assembly on Thursday passed the Social Protection and Investment Programme Agency Bill 2025 after considering the report of the Joint Committee on Women Affairs, Gender Development, Humanitarian, Social Welfare, and Commerce and Industry, chaired by Hon. Mercy Akpama.
Presenting the report, Hon. Akpama said the proposed agency would provide a legal framework for the coordination and implementation of social welfare initiatives for vulnerable populations.
She explained that the agency would ensure transparency, accountability, and equitable distribution of resources to critical segments of the population, including women, youths, children, petty traders, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.
Akpama added that the legislation would institutionalise key social investment programmes such as conditional cash transfers, school feeding schemes, and livelihood support initiatives, while also promoting skills acquisition and economic empowerment.
Lawmakers who contributed to the debate unanimously supported the bill, describing it as a timely intervention that would create economic opportunities for youths and address unemployment.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the committee for its diligence and reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Assembly to improving citizens’ welfare.
He noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s “People’s First” agenda, which prioritises inclusive governance and social investment.
“The establishment of this agency will align Cross River State with global best practices in social protection and position the state as a leader in sub-national welfare reforms,” the Speaker added.
