The partners stated this in Abuja, at the close out of the Expanding Social Protection for Inclusive Development (ESPID) project, implemented between 2021 and Sept. 2024 by Save the Children International (SCI) and Action Against Hunger (ACF) with funding from the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
It was implemented in Kaduna, Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano States and at the federal level.
The development partners particularly said improved domestic revenue mobilisation and comprehensive tax reforms were needed to sustain the gains of social protection programmes.
They also said that improved funding and timely release of allocated funds, along with a Social Protection Trust Fund, would provide a sustainable financing mechanism for social protection interventions.
Mr Duncan Harvey, Country Director, SCI – Nigeria, described Social Protection as an effective means of addressing multidimensional poverty, adding that the initiative has proven to be successful in not only pulling people out of poverty but also in protecting them from falling deeper into poverty.
According to him, governments across the world are using different forms of social safety nets like targeted cash transfers to support the extremely poor and vulnerable households to live a dignified and healthy life.
He also said that social insurance programmes like pensions and health insurance are equally effective in alleviating poverty.
“Yet, in many places, the fundamental building blocks of the social protection system are missing – with no laws, policies, or funding in place.
“Even where systems are in place, they often do not work, or reach the wrong people, while children are often the last consideration,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Thierno Diallo, Country Director, Action Against Hunger, who equally identified improved funding as key to impactful social protection interventions, described the ESPID project as a huge success.
Diallo, who was represented by ACF Head of Grants and Compliance, Meklit Misganaw, said the project was founded on the belief that every individual deserves resources and support necessary for a life of dignity.
He said: “Over the years, we have made significant strides in system strengthening, capacity building, and advocacy for the institutionalisation of social protection.
“Through targeted interventions, we have worked diligently to enhance the capacity of local institutions and empowered them to better serve their communities.
“We have engaged with government stakeholders to advocate for policies that prioritise the most vulnerable, ensuring that social protection is not merely an afterthought, but a fundamental component of development strategies.”
On her part, FCDO – Nigeria Development Director, Cynthia Rowe, said that the UK government invested in social protection for its effectiveness in addressing economic problems particularly poverty.
Rowe described social protection as a one-stop shop in addressing multidimensional poverty.
She urged governments at all levels to invest more in social protection, adding that the FCDO remains committed to supporting the government to strengthen the delivery of its programmes.
She also urged relevant stakeholders to take the learning from the ESPID project to other states. (NAN)
