https://www.nationalaccordnewspaper.com/impact-borno-emerges-best-performing-state-in-malaria-immunisation-project/Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, (BOSHA), Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Abdulkarim Lawan and Head of Programme for SEPIN SUSI, Ana Viñambres, during the legislative policy dialogue and learning workshop in Abuja.
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, (BOSHA), Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Abdulkarim Lawan has commended the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the German Government and European Union (EU) for their steadfast and commitment to strengthen democratic governance and legislative capacity in Borno State.
Lawan gave the commendation in Abuja during the opening of a three-day legislative policy dialogue and learning workshop on the Borno State citizens engagement and participatory planning policy and social protection policy organized under by Supporting Sustainable Social Protection, Participation and Economic Resilience in Northeast Nigeria (SEPIN SUSI) Programme.
The SEPIN SUSI Programme is co-funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union, and implemented by GIZ.
He lauded GIZ for its consistent support to the Assembly through various capacity-building and technical sessions, describing it as a strong demonstration of GIZ’s commitment to promoting participatory governance, evidence-based policy making and social justice.
“On behalf of the Borno State House of Assembly, I extend our profound gratitude to GIZ for their partnership, vision, and steadfast support.
“We look forward to sustaining this collaboration as we continue to improve the lives of our citizens through effective legislation and sound public policy,” Lawan said
In her opening remarks, Head of Programme for SEPIN SUSI, Ana Viñambres, underscored the significance of legislative support in institutionalizing the two policies, noting that they represent a pivotal step in Borno State’s transition from conflict recovery to sustainable peace and inclusive development.
“This partnership reflects a clear vision of inclusive governance—one that places citizens at the heart of decision-making and ensures that development outcomes truly respond to people’s needs,” Viñambres said
She also emphasized that the Citizens Engagement and Participatory Planning Policy would give citizens a legal and structured voice in governance, especially, in planning, budgeting, and monitoring development outcomes by strengthening transparency, accountability and public trust.
Similarly, she noted that institutionalizing the Social Protection Policy would ensure that the poor, displaced persons, women, youth and persons with disabilities are not left behind in the state’s recovery and development agenda.
“It provides the legislative and financial framework to deliver safety nets linked to livelihoods, education, and health systems.
“Honourable Members, your role as legislators is central through law-making, oversight, and representation to transform these frameworks into enforceable laws that deliver accountability and inclusion at every level,. said,
“GIZ would like to reaffirm GIZ’s commitment to work hand in hand with the Government, Legislature, and other stakeholders to build resilient and inclusive governance systems in Borno State,” Viñambres said.
She however cautioned that failure to institutionalize these policies could reverse the state’s gains in inclusive governance and social stability, leading to policy fragmentation, increased inequality, and weakened donor confidence.
The opening session was attended by all Honourable Members of the Borno State House of Assembly; the Chairman, House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon. Ali Bulama Yajiwa; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Matters, Hon. Shettima Bukar Kullima; the Clerk of the House; Deputy Clerk; Directors of Legal Services and Planning; and other legislative aides.
The three-day dialogue, which continues to November 5, 2025, brings together legislators, policymakers, and development partners to strengthen the link between social protection policy, citizen engagement, and inclusive governance in Borno State. End
