Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria

Nigeria faced persistent poverty, inequality and vulnerability challenges despite its economic potential. According to the reports approximately 40 per cent of the population (83 million people) live below the poverty line while another 25 per cent (53 million) are vulnerable to poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation, with unemployment and underemployment on the rise. Inequality, in terms of income and opportunities, was high and adversely affected poverty reduction efforts. The lack of job opportunities was a significant contributor to high poverty, regional inequality, and social and political unrest in Nigeria. To address this situation, the ILO, in collaboration with UNICEF, is supporting a sustainable social protection system, ensuring that the Social Protection System in Nigeria is shock-responsive at both the Federal and State levels. The project focuses on a sustainable policy framework supported by a financial mechanism integrated in the national budget and planning efforts. The project addresses existing data fragmentation, inadequate coverage of social protection, poor integration and digitalization of schemes. It also works on improving the capacities of the different institutions involved in social protection and policy and legislative frameworks. The project is implemented at both Federal and State levels, with a focus on Abia, Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto States.

Project symbol

NGA/24/02/EUR

Admin unit

CO-Abuja

Start date

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End date

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Total allocation

1422774

Total expenditure

Status

Active

503368

Development Partners

European Commission, DG for International Partnerships

Country/Countries

Nigeria

Outcomes

Outcome 7: Universal social protection