October 19, (THEWILL) — The Adamawa State government’s efforts to enshrine social protection in law through the development of a comprehensive Social Protection Bill has received a significant boost from stakeholders, particularly the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection, Participation and Economic Resilience in North-East Nigeria (SEPIN-SUSI) Programme.
The public hearing for the Bill, held on October 15, 2025, in Yola, marked a significant milestone in the state’s journey to establish a rights-based and inclusive social protection system that safeguards the most vulnerable from poverty, shock and exclusion.
Implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the SEPIN-SUSI Programme has been a driving force in strengthening governance systems and institutional frameworks that protect the poor and promote resilience in Adamawa and Borno States.
Laying the Foundation for a Rights- Based Future
The process toward institutionalising social protection in Adamawa began earlier this year with a two-day inception meeting in Yola, where over 40 key stakeholders—including government officials, lawmakers, civil society actors and academia—convened to chart the direction for the development of the legal framework.
The sessions focused on building a shared understanding of the purpose and scope of the framework and aligning it with both national development priorities and international standards, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ILO Social Protection Floors Recommendation No. 202.
This was followed by a five-day validation workshop, where the draft Social Protection Bill was refined and endorsed through technical consultations and collaborative review. The outcome was a document that clearly defines institutional roles, funding mechanisms, governance structures and accountability frameworks for effective implementation of social protection initiatives across the state.
A Step Toward Legislative Adoption
At the public hearing in Yola, lawmakers, development partners and civil society representatives expressed strong support for the Bill, describing it as a transformational step toward ensuring that social protection becomes a legal right rather than a privilege.
Stakeholders reaffirmed that the Bill is designed to create a coordinated, transparent and sustainable system capable of reaching those most in need—particularly women, children, returnees and persons displaced by conflict or climate change.
According to the Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Planning Commission, Dr Mary Paninga, “This Bill is not just a document—it is a commitment to our people. It provides the legal and institutional framework that ensures every vulnerable citizen can access the support they need to live with dignity.”
Driving Inclusive Growth Through Partnerships
Through SEPIN-SUSI, GIZ and its partners have continued to support state governments in developing data-driven, digitalised a and shock-responsive social protection systems.
This includes strengthening the State Social Register, building capacity among ministries and agencies, and improving data interoperability to ensure that no group is left behind in the planning and delivery of social protection interventions.
The Adamawa Social Protection Bill is part of a broader effort to institutionalise social protection as a sustainable pillar of inclusive governance—one that enhances economic participation, promotes gender equity and builds resilience in communities recovering from the impacts of conflict and climate change.
A Model for the Northeast
Adamawa’s progress in developing and validating a Social Protection Bill sets a precedent for other states in the region. With technical support from SEPIN-SUSI, Borno State has also advanced its own policy and bill validation process, reflecting a growing commitment among northeastern states to embed social protection within their governance structures.
The initiative reinforces the broader vision of the SEPIN-SUSI Programme: to ensure that poverty reduction and resilience building are driven by strong, evidence-based systems that protect the most vulnerable and promote equitable development.
As Adamawa State moves toward final legislative passage of the Social Protection Bill, stakeholders remain optimistic that the law will transform the way the state addresses poverty, vulnerability, and inequality.
By institutionalising social protection, the state government—supported by GIZ, the EU, and BMZ—is not only investing in systems but also in the human capital and dignity of its people.
In the words of the representative of the SEPIN-SUSI head of Programme, Ana Vinambres (represented by Mahamane Lawane), “This process marks a turning point. It demonstrates what is possible when government ownership, technical support, and citizen engagement converge for the common good.”
It would be recalled that the Adamawa State Social Protection Draft Bill, being sponsored at the Assembly by the Majority Leader, Kate Mamuno, is expected to give birth to a law tailored to drastically raise the fortunes of the poor and other vulnerable people across the state.
At a public hearing a social protection bill for Adamawa State, Kate Mamuno, in her welcome address reiterated that the stakeholders took an intensive look at the Adamawa State Social Protection Draft Bill and perfected its provisions, including provisions for significant reduction of poverty and vulnerability, as well as promotion of equity and inclusive growth through addressing inequalities among residents in the state.
Kate assured that the participants projected other timelines within which they expect the bill to go fully through the Assembly to the expected signing by the State Governor, “I would do my part to ensure that the bill gets passed for executive assent. We will go back and look at the grail areas and ansure a workable document for the people in the state.
SP vision to create inclusive, people-centered governance- Borno Assembly
Adamawa’s progress in developing and validating a Social Protection Bill sets a precedent for other states in the region. With technical support from SEPIN-SUSI, Borno State has also advanced its own policy and bill validation process, reflecting a growing commitment among northeast states to embed social protection within their governance structures.
Abdulkarim Lawan, the Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly said the, Borno-Adamawa-Yobe, BAY, states have suffered unimaginable challenges following a 16 year period of Boko Haram insurgency which has compounded their woe in the areas of human capital development and social protection over a decade.
Represented by Ali Kotoko who led a delegation of other members of the House Assembly underscores the importance of a public hearing on the proposed bill to enact a Social Protection Law in Adamawa State.
He said,”Let me begin by commending the Adamawa State House of Assembly for taking this bold and timely step toward institutionalizing a legal framework that prioritizes the welfare and dignity of all citizens, particularly the poor and vulnerable. The vision to create inclusive, people-centered governance through social protection policies is not only commendable but also aligns with global best practices and sustainable development goals.
He added, “In Borno State, we understand, perhaps more than most, the critical importance of social protection—especially in the context of rebuilding lives, restoring livelihoods, and promoting social cohesion after years of conflict and displacement. We are currently in the process of developing our own Social Protection Law, and your leadership in organizing this forum provides a valuable learning opportunity for us.
According to him, Borno state is particularly keen to draw from the experiences, consultations, and legislative insights of those gathered here as we continue to shape our own framework. “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 further said, “We recognize that effective social protection is not just about safety nets—it is about building resilience, empowering communities, and laying the groundwork for equitable development. We therefore urge all stakeholders present today to contribute constructively toward shaping a bill that will serve as a model for others.”
