May 17, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the House of Representatives, seeking approval for an additional $800 million loan for the National Social Safety Net Programme (NASSP) from the World Bank.
The letter titled, “REQUEST FOR APPROVAL FOR ADDITIONAL FINANCING OF THE NATIONAL SOCIAL SAFETY NET PROGRAMME (SCALE-UP) BY THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY”, was read by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, as plenary resumed on Wednesday.
Buhari said the programme is intended to expand coverage of shock-responsive Safety Net support among the poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
The letter reads, “It is with pleasure that I forward the above subject to you. Please note that the Federal Executive Council (FEC), approved an additional loan facility to the tune of USD800 million to be secured from the World Bank, for the National Social Safety Net Programme (NASSP) and the need to request your consideration and approval to ensure early implementation (Copy of FEC Extract attached).
“The House may wish to note that the Programme is intended to expand coverage of shock-responsive Safety Net support among the poor and vulnerable Nigerians. This will assist them in coping with the costs of meeting basic needs.
“You may wish to note that, the Federal Government of Nigeria under the conditional cash transfer window of the programme will transfer the sum of N5,000 per month to 10.2 million, poor and low-income households for a period of six months with a multiplier effect on about 60 million individuals. In order to guarantee the credibility of the process, digital transfers will be made directly to beneficiaries’ accounts and mobile wallets.
“The NASSP being a social intervention programme will stimulate activities in the informal sector, improve nutrition, health, education and human capital development of beneficiary households.
“Given the above, I wish to invite the House to kindly approve an additional loan facility to the tune of USD800 million to be secured from the World Bank, for the National Social Safety Net Programme (NASSP).
“While hoping that this submission will receive expeditious consideration by the House. Please accept, Rt. Honourable Speaker, the assurances of my highest regards.”
The President also transmitted the Federal Fire and Rescue Service (Establishment) Bill 2022 to the House.
It reads, “Pursuant to Section 58(2) of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I forward herewith, the Federal Fire and Rescue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2022 for the consideration of the House of Representatives.
“The Federal Fire and Rescue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2022 aims to establish and provide a legal and institutional framework for the Fire and Rescue Service.
“While hoping that the Bill will be considered for passage in the usual expeditious manner, please accept, Right Honourable Speaker, the assurances of my highest regards.”
The Speaker referred the letters to the relevant committees.
The House adjourned sitting indefinitely after taking the letters from the President.
This was as a member, Hon Ibrahim Isiaka moved a motion for the plenary to be adjourned because of the ongoing induction of the lawmakers.
The Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, opposed Isiaka, saying the House does not have to adjourn sitting because of the induction.
However other lawmakers argued against him saying it was unfair to continue sitting while members are expected to be part of the induction.
Eventually, the motion was moved for the House to be adjourned till whenever the induction is done.
The induction is expected to end on Friday.
