By David Ugolor
As you already know, the fight against poverty remains one of our society’s most pressing challenges today, particularly in regions where a substantial portion of the population live in abject poverty. Current data from the World Poverty Clock, has pegged the number of extremely poor Nigerians at 71 million. Nigeria, with its 213.4 million-strong population, faces this stark reality.
Approximately 63 per cent (133 million people) live in multidimensional poverty according to National Bureau of Statistics data, experiencing a range of deprivations that underscore the urgency of robust intervention. Certainly, the sudden removal of fuel subsidy only increases these numbers exponentially as the cost of living is at a very worrisome level, one of the worst since Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
The current economic hardship caused by the impact of COVID-19,
the Russian-Ukraine war, and the removal of fuel subsidy that has led to an
uncontrollable increase in dollar to naira exchange rate, has continued
to put Nigerians in shock over uncertainties on
the prices of food, goods, and services due
to inflation. This has further pushed more people into poverty as the
statistics of such persons are yet to be documented and obviously justifies the
need for further action and increased investment in social protection
programmes to cushion the effect of poverty on Nigerians, particularly the
vulnerable population.
According to a 2021 UN report, about 828 million people will
wake up every day having no idea when or where their next meal will come from,
and many will go to bed that day without eating anything. The UN further states
that of these 828 million people, 25,000 will die today, including more than
10,000 children as a result of poverty.
To address the increasing poverty level in Nigeria, the Federal
Government designed several interventions such as the National Social
Investment Programme (NSIP), an ambitious effort aimed at improving the lives
of the most vulnerable citizens.
The National Social Investment Programme, often lauded as one
of Africa’s largest social protection programme, is a beacon of hope
for millions. With an annual allocation exceeding $1 billion, this programme
transcends mere budgetary figures; it symbolizes our shared commitment to uplifting
the less fortunate and creating a stronger, more equitable society.
Against this backdrop, the Enhancing Social Protection Policies in
Nigeria (ESPPIN) Project emerged as a civil society effort to
complement the efforts of both the national and sub-national governments in
tackling poverty. ANEEJ, with support from Bread for the World
(Germany) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development
Office, embarked on the three-year project (2020-2023)
to enhance the implementation of the Social Investment
Programme across Nigeria.
The
ESPPIN project is being implemented in 5 states (Anambra, Bayelsa,
Delta, Edo, Ekiti,) and the Federal Capital
Territory and ANEEJ is working with CSO
partners such as, Community Empowerment and Development Initiative
(CEDI), International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC), Awka,
Anambra State, Development Initiators, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and the New
Initiative for Social Development (NISD). The final external evaluation of
the project has just been completed as part of the project Monitoring,
Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) processes and will be presented
later today.
The report shows that the ESPPIN project which
began in 2020 has yielded some remarkable outcomes. Aligned with
our goal, we played a key role in advocating for the harmonization of Social
Protection Bills at the National Assembly and aligning same with the National
Social Protection Policy which we canvassed for a review. The project also
contributed to the review and approval of the National Policy on Social Protection
by the National Economic Council.
Notably, the ESSPIN Project’s efforts contributed to social
protection policies and laws being enacted in three out of five project
states—Anambra, Edo, and Ekiti, showcasing effective policy implementation at
the state level. Additionally, the project’s advocacy efforts contributed to
the passage of the National Social Investment Programme Bill which was assented
to by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s in May 2023.
The project achieved resounding success in its pursuit of three
key objectives. Through ESPPIN, stakeholders in the five target states
experienced a 50% increase in engagement, as indicated by a surge in
applications. ANEEJ championed a multi-faceted approach, leveraging media
engagement, training, learnings, and outcomes of National and subnational
discusses to highlight the significance of Social Investment Programmes
(SIPs). By providing information and evidence, we were able to
make duty bearers to take action appropriately.
Key actors from government, civil society organisations, and the
media played an active role in monitoring SIP implementation across five
Nigerian states. Trained stakeholders undertook at least 10 monitoring
activities annually, fostering transparency, accountability, and meaningful
collaboration. Through this inclusive approach, ANEEJ fostered a shared
commitment to effective implementation.
Throughout the ESPPIN journey, challenges were met with unwavering
resolve. Insecurity, bureaucracy, and conflicting priorities posed obstacles,
but our determination to effect change remained. The ESPPIN project unveiled
invaluable lessons, particularly in the realm of stakeholder engagement. We
learned that repeated advocacy, collaboration with the government,
and the utilization of existing platforms are vital strategies that accelerate
progress.
Today’s event will give us the opportunity to interrogate the
current development paradigm in the face of the current poly crisis and explore
ways of improving the implementation of the National Social
Investment Programmes at the national and sub-national levels across the
country. At the end of the day, we hope to articulate relevant
suggestions flowing from the discussions around innovative approaches to
improve the implementation of Social Investment
Programmes to better achieve sustainable
development goals and poverty alleviation in Nigeria.
The ESPPIN project has demonstrated that when civil society
organizations and government join hands, positive change is not only possible
but sustainable.
*Rev Ugolor is
executive director, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ.
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