Comprehensive Study on the Accessibility of Social Protection Programmes by Vulnerable Groups in Nigeria

Act Naija! – Civil Society Action to Strengthen Social Protection in Nigeria is a three-year initiative co-funded by the European Union under its Human Rights and Support to Civil Society in Nigeria programme. The project is implemented by a consortium comprising Brot für die Welt (BfdW), the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), and the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD).  

Social protection is one of the most essential mechanisms for reducing poverty and inequality and promoting social justice. 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. Social protection in Nigeria is insufficiently developed, lacking comprehensive frameworks and systems that address the needs of vulnerable groups such as children, women, youths, elderly, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and persons with disabilities (PWDs). According to studies (Adesina, 2017; Anugwom and Anugwom, 2023), the country’s social protection mechanisms have failed to incorporate local knowledge and best practices, thus limiting their effectiveness in addressing poverty and inequality. This gap is exacerbated by weak governance structures, particularly at the sub-national levels, where social protection policies are either inadequately implemented or non-existent. A thorough assessment is required to understand the extent of access, identify gaps, and recommend actionable solutions to improve inclusivity. As part of its activity implementation under the project, ANEEJ is soliciting applications from suitable researchers to undertake this piece of work.

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