The German government, through the German Agency for International Cooperation, and the European Union, EU, have engaged Nigerian lawmakers on a social protection framework to navigate the impact of insecurity and flooding in North-east Nigeria.
This was disclosed at a workshop for Borno and Adamawa lawmakers in Abuja on Thursday.
Arogidigba Global Journal reports that the event is part of the implementation of the Sustainable Social Protection, Participation, and Economic Resilience in North-East Nigeria (SEPIN SUSI) programme.
In her speech at the event, the head of International Cooperation at the German Embassy, Dr. Karin Jansen, noted the programme is pivotal to building the capacity of lawmakers in the real world of social protection legislative framework.
“It is with great honour and a profound sense of purpose that I address you today, at the commencement of this pivotal workshop focused on enhancing the capacity of legislators from Borno and Adamawa States in the realm of social protection policy and legislative frameworks,” she stated.
Also, the country director of GIZ, Dr. Markus Wagner, explained that the organisation believes that social protection systems are key to reducing poverty in Nigeria.
“However, achieving these outcomes depends not only on policies and programmes but also on the strength of institutions and the capacity of leaders—such as yourselves—to advocate for and guide inclusive and sustainable reforms,” Wagner said.
Also speaking to the programme, the Director of International Cooperation at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Sampson Ebimaro, said the initiative comes at a time when the North-East region faces significant security and economic challenges.
“The North-East region, particularly Borno and Adamawa states, has faced significant challenges over the years, ranging from insecurity and displacement to fragile institutional capacity.
“Yet, we are also witnessing encouraging signs of recovery and resilience, driven in part by visionary leadership and strategic partnerships,” he noted.
Reacting on behalf of the participants, Ali Kotoko lauded GIZ and the EU for the interventions.
Kotoko, who represented the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, noted that during the first phase of the programme, the people of Borno were given cash palliatives to support them in coping with the impact of insecurity and flooding.
“We are here on behalf of the states; the programme is a second phase that began in 2021. Our people were given so many interventions, such as cash. Borno is one of the states adversely impacted by insecurity and flooding,” he told Arogidigba Global Journal in an interview on Thursday.
Recall that Borno, Adamawa and other states in the North-East were at the centre of insecurity in the past years.
The September 2024 flooding in Borno State, with over 150 deaths and hundreds of persons displaced, further heightened challenges in the region.