Civil Society organizations and other stakeholders in the country are putting heads together to address the multidimensional poverty plaguing the country as Nigerians struggle with challenges affecting their standard and cost of living. The Executive Director, Africa Network for Environmental and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, Rev David Ugolor, in his welcome remarks at the opening of a 2-Day Dialogue on Social Protection in Nigeria, in Abuja, said that the dialogue is CSOs’ build-up to the National Summit on Humanitarian and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria. Ugolor said the two-day Dialogue provides opportunity for civil society organisations and other stakeholders to discuss how to contribute to improving social protection intervention in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the objectives of the dialogue is to present Act Naija! project baseline study report to government and other stakeholders for discussion and possible action on the recommendations; To review the current state of social protection in Nigeria and identify entry point for civil society engagement and monitoring to social protection delivery. He said “According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2022), 44.7 million men and 43.7 million women live on less than USD 1.90 a day, and 63% of the population is multidimensionally poor. The country has a low Human Development Index score of 0.548, ranking it 161st out of 193 countries UNDP (2024), underscores the urgent need for inclusive social policies that tackle these inequalities. To contribute to the consolidation policy efforts, strengthen civil society engagement and collaboration with government and track implementation progress, the Act Naija Consortium has convened this dialogue session as CSO’s build-up to the National Summit on Humanitarian and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria scheduled to take place later in the year, to be organized by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, with funding from the EU.
“We are happy that we are able to bring stakeholders together to kick-start the conversation that will feed into the Humanitarian and Poverty Reduction. The three-year Act Naija project is being implemented by three organisations, namely: Bread for the World, Germany, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ and the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD). The project co-funded by the European Union under its Human Rights and Support to Civil Society in Nigeria programme. The overall objective of the project is to improve the inclusivity of the social protection system in Nigeria. At outcome level, the project targets increased engagement of civil society actors in the development and monitoring an inclusive social protection system through – Increased public awareness on the importance of promoting an inclusive and responsive social protection system. Enhanced capacities of local organisations and communities to monitor the delivery of social protection programmes.Increased opportunities for dialogue between civil society, government and other stakeholders on the design and performance of social protection systems.
“This dialogue is particularly important as social protection plays a critical role in reducing poverty, managing inequality, and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable populations. In Nigeria, a country with vast economic potential yet staggering levels of poverty, the importance of a robust and inclusive social protection system cannot be overstated. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and the fourth largest economy on the continent, with a GDP of USD 252.74 billion.” Also, in a keynote address delivered at the dialogue by the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusufu Sununu, said it is imperative to have a reliable National Social Protection Policy, NSPP, which is currently being reviewed for efficiency and impactful interventions. Sununu who was represented by the Director of Social Development, Valentine Ezulu, also declared that social protection is not charity but a right.
“In order to ensure more coordinated, efficient, and impactful interventions, we are undertaking harmonization of social protection initiatives across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This reform will reduce duplication, close operational gaps, and enhance service delivery to Nigerians. In this regard, the Ministry in conjunction with other stakeholders is currently reviewing the National Social Protection Policy, NSPP,. This is being undertaken to reflect current socio-economic realities and ensure alignment with current global standards. As we deliberate today, let us remember that social protection is not charity — it is a right. It is about restoring dignity, building resilience, and unlocking the potential of every Nigerian.
“Let this Dialogue serve as a springboard for deeper partnerships, bolder actions, and greater accountability which serve as a precursor to the upcoming National Humanitarian and Poverty Reduction Summit in October, 2025. The Ministry stands ready to work with all stakeholders — national and international — to ensure that we deliver on our promise of a better and more inclusive Nigeria.” Other stakeholders also called for new approach to handle address the frightening poverty plaguing Nigerians, and come up with lasting solutions.
