Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has announced the completion of a life-cycle social protection framework, a comprehensive system designed to provide continuous welfare support from pregnancy through old age, with 5,740 elderly persons set to benefit across the state.
Namadi made this known on Tuesday at the Dutse Local Government Secretariat during the launch of the Cash-Out Phase of the Jigawa State Old Age Social Protection Scheme.
He described the initiative as a milestone in his administration’s drive to build an inclusive and compassionate society, saying it reflects the completion of Jigawa’s life-cycle approach to social protection interventions.
“This programme represents the completion of our life-cycle approach to social protection interventions in Jigawa State, considering the already ongoing initiatives targeting pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as children under five,” the governor said.
According to him, the framework ensures that no segment of society is left behind, providing programmes that promote dignity, equity, and access to essential services, particularly for the vulnerable and disadvantaged.
“Across the entire life-cycle, we now have programmes that provide continuous support from pregnancy, childhood, adolescence, youth, and now, old age,” he said. “Moreover, these interventions are implemented in an inclusive manner, in addition to our flagship monthly social security scheme for persons with disabilities. This aligns with the Jigawa State Social Protection Policy and Law, both of which emphasise equity, dignity, and access to essential services for vulnerable groups.”
The newly launched Old Age Support Scheme offers monthly cash transfers, free healthcare services, and long-term social care for elderly citizens across the state. Each of the 287 political wards will have 20 beneficiaries, making a total of 5,740 elderly persons in the first phase.
Under the arrangement, the Jigawa State Rehabilitation Board will oversee the cash transfer component, while healthcare services will be managed by the Jigawa State Contributory Health Insurance Management Agency (JICHMA). The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development will coordinate long-term care, including home visits, counselling, and psychosocial support to promote healthy and active ageing.
Namadi noted that the intervention builds on existing welfare programmes, including the Maternal Cash Transfer Scheme, which was recently expanded from ₦5,000 to ₦7,000 monthly and from 20 to 30 beneficiaries per ward.
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He also announced the relaunch of the Monthly Social Security Scheme for Persons with Disabilities, following an amendment to its enabling law. The update increases the number of beneficiaries per local government from 150 to 200 and raises the monthly payment from ₦7,000 to ₦10,000. Enrollment of new beneficiaries is ongoing to meet the new target of 5,200 people across the state.
“All these interventions are directly aligned with our 12-Point Agenda, particularly the pillar on Social Welfare and Inclusive Development, which focuses on improving the lives of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities,” the governor said.
He further disclosed that the government has completed data collection on orphans and orphanages in preparation for a new Orphans Welfare Programme aimed at supporting children in vulnerable conditions.
Namadi urged community leaders and families to show greater care and respect for the elderly, describing them as “the pillars upon which our society was built.”
“Together, we will continue to make Jigawa a model for inclusive, people-centred governance in Nigeria,” he added.
