Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has called for the effective implementation of the $1 billion Household Prosperity and Empowerment Social Protection Project, HOPE-SP, saying poverty and social inequality must be addressed to tackle insecurity.

Zulum made the call on Wednesday in Maiduguri during the official launch of the HOPE-SP programme, organised by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

The programme, themed “From Palliative to Pathways,” was unveiled by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in Abuja.

The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for the initiative, describing it as an important intervention capable of addressing some of the socioeconomic factors driving insecurity and insurgency across the country.

He said military action alone could not permanently end insurgency, stressing the need to tackle the poverty, illiteracy and inequality that leave communities vulnerable.

“Addressing the socio-economic and political dimensions of the crisis is critical to addressing insecurity challenges in Nigeria,” Zulum said.

He assured the Federal Government that state governments would support the programme to achieve its objectives.

Zulum, however, warned that poor implementation and flawed beneficiary selection had undermined social intervention programmes in the past.

He therefore urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and its implementing agencies to establish clear vulnerability criteria for selecting beneficiaries.

According to him, the process must promote transparency, inclusivity and fairness to ensure that assistance reaches Nigerians who need it most.

The HOPE-SP programme is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection system by moving away from short-term palliatives towards sustainable pathways out of poverty.

Speaking on behalf of Nigerian governors, Zulum said lasting peace and security required interventions that addressed the underlying socioeconomic conditions affecting vulnerable individuals and communities.

He expressed optimism that the programme would make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable Nigerians if properly implemented.