2026 Budget Defence: Senate Pushes for Increased Funding to Tackle Human Trafficking, Strengthen Disability Inclusion and Elderly Welfare

2026 Budget Defence: Senate Pushes for Increased Funding to Tackle Human Trafficking, Strengthen Disability Inclusion and Elderly Welfare

Abuja, Nigeria – The Senate Committee on Special Duties on Tuesday called for increased funding for key social protection agencies, expressing concern over rising cases of human trafficking, the absence of credible disability data, and inadequate welfare support for senior citizens.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, made the call during the 2026 budget defence session and review of the 2024/2025 performance of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), and the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC).

Decrying the growing incidence of human trafficking across the country, Senator Lawan described the trend as “alarming and unacceptable.”

“I don’t see why trafficking should be increasing in Nigeria. Every day there are reports. This is the National Assembly, and we cannot fold our arms while this continues,” he said.

The Committee stressed the need for enhanced funding to enable NAPTIP strengthen victim protection services and intensify the prosecution of offenders.

NAPTIP officials informed lawmakers that the agency operates 15 shelters nationwide where rescued victims are accommodated, counselled, rehabilitated, trained and empowered before reintegration into society. However, they noted that while shelter operations are funded by the agency, rehabilitation and empowerment programmes largely depend on development partners.

“We are victim-centred. Any victim we receive must be sheltered, counselled, trained and empowered before reintegration. Most of the time, we rely on development partners to do this, which is not good enough,” the agency stated, describing the arrangement as unsustainable.

The Committee also directed improved collaboration between the Nigerian Police Force and NAPTIP, insisting that trafficking cases handled by police formations be promptly transferred to NAPTIP state commands for appropriate action.

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities drew attention to the lack of credible national data on persons living with disabilities in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary told the Committee that although estimates put the figure at about eight million, there is no verified data from relevant government institutions.

“We visited agencies, including the National Population Commission, but there is no authentic number yet. We are working towards an accurate national count, which will support policymakers and development partners,” he said.

The Commission appealed for dedicated funding to conduct a comprehensive national enumeration, stressing that credible data is critical for effective planning, budgeting and inclusive policy implementation.

Responding, Senator Lawan acknowledged the importance of the Commission’s mandate, noting that it represents a significant segment of the population.

“If we help you, we are helping ourselves,” he assured, pledging legislative backing.

In its submission, the National Senior Citizens Centre highlighted major funding gaps affecting elderly welfare programmes nationwide.

The agency lamented inadequate provisions for elderly care, healthcare access, nutrition support and social protection, warning that senior citizens remain largely underserved.

Officials also disclosed an urgent accommodation crisis, revealing that the Centre is expected to vacate its current office facility soon, with no alternative space secured for over 140 staff members.

“We are confronted with an urgent accommodation challenge. We do not have sufficient care centres for the elderly, and healthcare coverage for senior citizens remains inadequate. These interventions are not optional; they are essential to preserving dignity and quality of life,” the agency stated.

The Centre called for dedicated 2026 budgetary allocations to support elderly nutrition, healthcare services, energy needs and broader welfare programmes at both federal and state levels.

In his closing remarks, Senator Lawan commended the agencies for operating under challenging conditions and assured them that the Committee would give careful consideration to their submissions.

“We have noted your concerns and challenges. This committee will look into your problems and do the needful. We are committed to ensuring you receive the necessary support,” he said.

The 2026 budget defence underscored growing legislative attention to social protection issues, with the Senate signalling readiness to push for improved funding and stronger institutional support for anti-trafficking efforts, disability inclusion and elderly welfare nationwide.