The National Assembly has announced its commitment to continuing its oversight functions on the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), even with the proposed relocation of the agency to the Presidency.

Senator Shehu Kaka Lawan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, made this statement after a bill seeking to amend the NSIPA Act, 2023, passed its second reading. The current supervision of NSIPA falls under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Lawan emphasized that the National Assembly will diligently carry out its oversight responsibilities towards the agency, regardless of its placement under the direct supervision of the President. According to him, the Senate’s Special Duties Committee has the jurisdiction to oversee the Office of the President and the Presidency, which includes agencies transferred to the Presidential office. The National Assembly aims to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the success of the President’s change agenda.

Regarding the suspension of the N-power program, which has left many Nigerians unemployed, Lawan stated that the Senate has yet to receive a report on the matter. He mentioned that they would examine the enabling Act and the ongoing bill. If the suspension is deemed unfavorable for Nigeria and its citizens, they will take necessary steps to reinstate it. Lawan reiterated that the relocation of the Social Investment Programme to the Office of the President would not hinder the National Assembly’s oversight function. The bill presented to the National Assembly does not grant any additional powers to the President or anyone else, as clarified by Lawan.