Stakeholders have identified social protection as an important instrument capable of addressing some root causes of social and economic crisis in Nigeria and effects of poverty and unemployment.
However, they added that social protection can only achieve such might if its policies and implementations are properly managed.
Gathered at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) Abuja on Wednesday for a Conference on Social Protection and Economic Uncertainties in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Societies, the Institute led by its Director General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochugwu, representative of British High Commission and UNICEF in their remarks expressed the need for a regime of effective social protection targeted at the most vulnerable citizens.
The IPCR Director General, Dr Joseph Ochugwu, in his opening remarks, hinted that studies have shown that social protection is very strategic to uplifting even a human society hit by the worst state of poverty and its associated consequences when it is systematically introduced as a policy and implemented properly.
He noted that Nigerian government having understood the importance of social protection began making serious efforts starting from 2015 to target-fully fight the menace of poverty and unemployment in the country with it.
“From 2015, the government saw social protection as a much more viable critical social intervention policy to reach vulnerable people. So the Federal government came up with NASCO in terms of social investment and the development of the national social register.
“World Bank had provided about $500 million dollar as at 2015 to provide a ground support to the Nigerian government. And the Nigerian government too under the regime of former President Buhari provided the same back up in terms of priding that same kind of funding for social protection,” he said.
He added; “So from 2015 till date, social protection has become a major policy instrument that the Federal government of Nigeria uses to try to address issues if vulnerabilities and inequalities across the country.”
Dr. Ochugwu went on to say; “So this is where the institute comes in for this kind of programme. Largely when you want to address the root causes of conflict, you begin to look at issues of poverty and unemployment across the nooks and crannies of the country. Our studies; the Strategic Conflict Assessment of Nigeria and several other studies have identified poverty, unemployment as major drivers of conflict across the country.
“So when you find a social intervention programme like the social protection policy that government is using to try to address it, that of course flags us in the institute to begin to look at the needs.
“Social protection is a major policy instrument that I think if we try to look at it, will most likely address some of the issues that we have been trying to find solutions to.”
In the same vein, the Development Director, British High Commission in Nigeria, Chris Pycrof, in his goodwill message said; “Protracted and newly emerging conflicts these global challenges can overwhelm a country’s resilience plunging people into poverty and undermining decades of development progress. comprehensive social protection systems can protect poor people at times of stress, support them to be more resilient and prevent them from falling into poverty.
“Social protection systems that support a range of human development outcomes that are carefully targeted to support those most in need, and operate at scale to prevent individuals and communities from falling behind are highly effective at mitigating the unprecedented risks.
“In Nigeria over the last decade, the social protection architecture has advanced significantly at both federal and state levels. We expect this progress to continue with the strong political mandate set out by President Tinubu in the government’s manifesto”.
Aldo, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Cristine Munduate, on her part, said; “Nigeria, a country with incredible diversity and resilience, has witnessed its fair share of complex challenges in recent years. From the Northeast conflict of the displacement of communities, and the enduring impact of insecurity. Millions of children in the nation are navigating the treacherous waters of economic uncertainty, often with little more than hope to guide them. Yet, we still have 67.5% of Nigerian children who are multi-dimensionally poor, while 48% experienced monetary poverty, among other daunting socioeconomic outcomes.
“It is crucial for all of us gathered here today to recognize that in the face of adversity, the children of Nigeria and their families continue to show remarkable strength, courage and resilience. They embody the enduring spirit of this nation and serve as a testament to the indomitable human spirit that refuses to be broken. UNICEF, as a global leader in social protection, stands firm in its mission to protect and promote the rights and well-being of every child everywhere. Our commitment to Nigeria remains steadfast in our work in this country, is a reflection of the dedication we have to supporting the most vulnerable, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
“We strive to ensure that these children receive the protection education, health care, and nutrition they need, through government led social protection systems despite the immense challenges. We must address the pressing issue of economic uncertainty in fragile and conflict affected societies and support the government to define social protection measures relevant to the needs of the citizens, the financial hardships faced by families in such regions exacerbate the already daunting challenges.”
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