Act Naija!

ACT NAIJA! – Civil Society Action to Strengthen Social Protection in Nigeria

The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) and its partners, Bread for the World, Germany and the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) on 1^st April 2025 commenced the implementation of Act Naija! – Civil Society Action to Strengthen Social Protection in Nigeria project being funded by European Union as part of the European Commission Human Rights & Support to Civil Society in Nigeria programme (EuropeAid/181129/DD/ACT/Multi-3). The three-year project will be implemented in 7 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. ANEEJ is responsible for the implementation of the project in Enugu, Borno, Delta, Kogi, and the FCT.

“Act Naija!” is designed to align with the objectives and priorities of the CSO Thematic Programme of European Commission Human Rights & Support to Civil Society in Nigeria focusing on Social Protection. The project’s overall objective is to enhance dialogue, collaboration, and engagement between civil society and the government around inclusive social protection policies, monitoring, and accountability, thus contributing to poverty alleviation in Nigeria.

The specific objective of the action is to increase participation of civil society actors at national and sub-national levels for the improved implementation and monitoring of social protection interventions, advocating inclusive social protection systems with a multi-stakeholder approach. “Act Naija!” aims to empower civil society organisations and community-based groups in shaping, executing, and overseeing social protection programmes. This collaborative-work approach is expected to enhance the transparency and effectiveness of these interventions as well as increase the responsiveness to needs of the vulnerable populations, which include access to basic healthcare, financial resources, nutrition, clean water, and sanitation. Education and vocational training are also needed in order to break the cycle of poverty and to provide economic opportunities. Social protection such as cash transfers and food assistance are critical for those facing food insecurity and unemployment. Legal protection, social inclusion, and psychosocial support are vital to safeguard their rights and empower them to participate fully in Nigerian society.