The Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading, the Social Welfare Service Bill, 2025, sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District. The bill seeks to establish a fair, transparent, and data-driven system that targets support to vulnerable Nigerians.
Senator Kalu announced the development on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, describing the passage as a major step towards building a comprehensive social protection framework for the country.
The bill proposes the creation of a new National Social Protection structure with welfare branches in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. According to Senator Kalu, this decentralised approach will eliminate over-centralisation and ensure direct impact at the community level.
The Social Welfare Service Bill provides for multiple interventions including food and cash transfers, education stipends, housing support, subsidies for marginal farmers, credit schemes, and support for the elderly and persons with disabilities.
The legislation also establishes Safety Centres nationwide to register beneficiaries, deliver support, prevent fraud, and track long-term outcomes. Senator Kalu stated that strict eligibility criteria have been built into the bill to ensure no political influence or multiple beneficiaries, addressing concerns about transparency and accountability in social welfare programmes.
The bill now proceeds to the committee stage for detailed scrutiny before returning to the floor for third reading. If passed into law, it would mark a significant overhaul of Nigeria’s social protection system.
In a related development, Senator Kalu also attended the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions meeting on Tuesday. The session, chaired by Senator Tokunbo Abiru, was attended by the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso.
