The Federal Government in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, and development partners has stressed the need to strengthen the social protection system to address growing poverty in Nigeria.
This was revealed in a communique jointly signed by UNICEF Representative, Cristian Munduate, EU Ambassador in Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, and Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, at the end of the third edition of the Social Protection Cross Learning Summit held in Abuja.
According to the communique, Nigeria faces significant challenges in human capital development, and deprivations in health, education, nutrition, water, hygiene, sanitation, and child protection.
It noted that the situation underscores the urgency for comprehensive and effective social protection strategies.
The communique said in response to these challenges, the Government of Nigeria introduced a cash transfer programme, providing N25,000 over three months to poor and vulnerable households. This initiative aims to alleviate immediate economic pressures and mitigate the socio-economic impact of recent economic reforms.
It explained that the move is to create a comprehensive support network that addresses the multifaceted needs of children and families, ultimately leading to improved outcomes in health, education, and overall well-being.
Edun also emphasised the importance of integrated social protection systems, noting that Nigeria is committed to ensuring access to social protection for all and removing the barriers that people face in accessing these services.
He said the government is engaged to implement, with the support from relevant stakeholders, including the Social Protection Development Partner Group, the agreed action points from the summit.
On her part, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Munduate, on behalf of the Social Protection Development Partners Group, said, social protection is crucial in realising the rights of every child.