TheCable

Opeyemi Bamidele, the senate leader, has sponsored a bill seeking to place the social investment programmes (SIPs) under the supervision of the presidency.

These social programmes – N-Power and TraderMoni among others – are currently domiciled in the ministry of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation.

The bill was considered on Tuesday during the plenary session and committed to the “committee of the whole” for further legislative action.

Bamidele said he is seeking to amend sections 9 (3), 14 (1), 21 (1), 22 (1), 26 (1) and 33 of the NSIPA act to be able to move to programmes to the presidency.

“The programmes will now directly be under the direct supervision of the president,” the senate leader said.

“This is to ensure that the social investment programmes are standard, transparent, effective and accountable.

“It is as a result of the commitment of the Renewed Hope mantra of President Bola Tinubu in ensuring that social investment programmes are standard, transparent, effective and accountable structure of delivery, adequate coordination and synergy among key government agencies.”

The senate leader said the amendment would help the country achieve a number of sustainable development goals (SDGs) which include education, health, and social inclusion.

The immediate-past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari initiated the social investment programmes to give succour to the “poor of the poorest” Nigerians.