Stakeholders in Adamawa and Borno Endorse Bill on Social Protection Framework in Adamawa State

A cross section of stakeholders from Adamawa and Borno States have expressed strong support for a bill seeking to establish a legal framework for social protection in Adamawa State. The endorsement came during a public hearing organized by the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with GIZ, held at the AUN Hotel, Yola.

The proposed law, sponsored by the Majority Leader of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno (Demsa Constituency), aims to regulate and implement social protection policies that guarantee the welfare of vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and the poor.

Stakeholders Back Bill for Legal Social Protection Framework

The public hearing attracted civil society organisations, development partners, and government representatives from both Adamawa and Borno States. The participants, who actively contributed written and verbal submissions, overwhelmingly backed the bill, describing it as a milestone in institutionalising social welfare and inclusive governance in the state.

According to stakeholders, the legislation is timely, as it seeks to provide a sustainable, transparent, and coordinated approach to addressing social and economic vulnerabilities among citizens.

The inputs gathered during the event were formally adopted and forwarded to the committee for consideration and harmonisation ahead of the bill’s passage into law.

Speaker Bathiya Wesley: “The Bill Guarantees Welfare for the Vulnerable”

Declaring the event open, the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley, lauded the public hearing as a critical step toward inclusive legislation that prioritises the welfare of citizens.

Represented by the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Ahmed Jingi Belel (Maiha), the Speaker said the bill would help bridge the gap between government policy and grassroots impact, especially for those in disadvantaged communities.

“This legislation will guarantee the welfare of the poor and vulnerable citizens of Adamawa State,” the Speaker said.
“It reflects our collective commitment to social justice, equity, and the creation of an inclusive society.”

He further noted that the House of Assembly under his leadership is committed to enacting people-oriented laws that ensure sustainable development and improve the quality of life of all residents.

Borno Assembly Commends Adamawa for Leadership in Social Policy

Also speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, praised the Adamawa legislature for its forward-thinking approach to social protection legislation.

Represented by Hon. Ali Kotoko, Member representing Maiduguri Constituency, Lawan said Borno State was currently in the process of developing its own social protection framework, and that the Adamawa experience would serve as a valuable learning model.

“We are particularly keen to draw from the experiences, consultations, and legislative insights gathered here today,” Kotoko said.
“The cooperation between our two Assemblies today demonstrates the spirit of regional collaboration, mutual learning, and shared commitment to improving the lives of our people.”

He stressed that effective social protection was not just about providing safety nets, but also about empowering communities and promoting resilience through structured policy and legislation.

“We recognise that social protection builds resilience, empowers communities, and lays the foundation for equitable development,” he added.

GIZ Reaffirms Support for Social Protection Bill

In his goodwill message, Mahamane Brimaka, representative of GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the passage and implementation of the Social Protection Bill.

Brimaka highlighted the importance of collaboration between governments, legislators, and development partners to ensure that vulnerable citizens benefit from sustainable social welfare systems.

He commended the Adamawa State House of Assembly for creating a platform that encourages broad-based consultation and inclusive participation in the legislative process.

Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno: “Governance Must Be People-Centered”

In her welcome address, Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno, Majority Leader of the Adamawa State House of Assembly and Chairperson of the Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, emphasized that the public hearing was designed to give voice to all stakeholders in shaping the future of social protection in the state.

“Governance must be people-centered,” she said.
“This public hearing is designed to give voice to all stakeholders, ensuring that the final law reflects our shared aspirations and realities.”

Mamuno, who represents Demsa Constituency, explained that the bill aims to institutionalize the delivery of social protection programs, establish clear roles and responsibilities, and ensure that interventions reach those who need them most.

She also acknowledged the Fintiri-led administration for its numerous social protection initiatives, which she said had laid the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable society in Adamawa State.

“These initiatives require a coherent legal framework to ensure sustainability, coordination, transparency, and long-term impact,” she stated.

Mamuno expressed appreciation to GIZ for its consistent partnership and technical support in strengthening legislative processes and social development initiatives in the state.

She assured stakeholders that all recommendations and inputs submitted during the hearing would be harmonized into the final draft of the bill to ensure that the law reflects the collective vision of all participants.

Commitment to Legislative Partnership

The event also symbolized growing inter-state collaboration between the Adamawa and Borno Houses of Assembly in advancing inclusive policy frameworks that address poverty, inequality, and vulnerability across the region.

Stakeholders from both states agreed that the Social Protection Bill would serve as a blueprint for regional development, promoting dignity, equity, and resilience among citizens while fostering sustainable governance systems.

With the overwhelming endorsement received, the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development is expected to finalize its report and present it for consideration and passage by the Adamawa State House of Assembly in the coming weeks.