Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for transparent, inclusive and needs-based implementation of the Federal Government’s $1 billion Household Prosperity and Empowerment Social Protection Programme (HOPE-SP).
Zulum made the call at the official launch of the HOPE-SP programme, themed “From Palliative to Pathways,” organised by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in Abuja.
The programme was unveiled by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the Banquet Hall of the State House.
Speaking at the event, Zulum said tackling poverty, illiteracy and social inequality was critical to addressing the root causes of insecurity and instability in Nigeria.
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing the initiative, describing HOPE-SP as an important intervention capable of addressing some of the socio-economic factors contributing to insecurity and insurgency.
According to him, military operations alone cannot permanently resolve insurgency without addressing the conditions that make communities vulnerable to violence and instability.
“The kinetic measures alone will not end the insurgency. Addressing the socio-economic and political dimensions of the crisis is critical to addressing insecurity challenges in Nigeria,” Zulum said.
The governor, speaking on behalf of Nigerian governors, assured the Federal Government that subnational governments would support the implementation of the programme to ensure it achieves its objectives.
However, Zulum identified poor implementation, particularly weaknesses in beneficiary selection, as one of the major challenges affecting social intervention programmes.
He urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and its implementing agencies to establish clear vulnerability criteria for identifying beneficiaries.
“I want to call upon the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to ensure that targeted beneficiaries are selected based on certain vulnerability criteria that will ensure inclusivity,” he said.
He stressed that transparent and fair beneficiary selection would be essential to ensuring that the programme reaches Nigerians who are genuinely vulnerable, rather than being influenced by political, geographical or other considerations.
HOPE-SP is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection system by moving beyond short-term palliative interventions towards sustainable pathways that can help vulnerable households overcome poverty and build economic resilience.
Zulum said lasting peace and security require a broader approach that combines humanitarian assistance with economic empowerment, education, social protection and other measures capable of addressing the underlying causes of vulnerability.
He congratulated the Federal Government, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and the implementing agencies, expressing optimism that HOPE-SP would improve the livelihoods of vulnerable Nigerians.
The event was attended by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard M. Doro; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; and other government officials and stakeholders.
