African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), has described the fight against poverty as one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, particularly in regions where a substantial portion of the population lives in abject poverty.
ANEEJ also noted that the sudden removal of fuel subsidies has increased these numbers exponentially as the cost of living is very worrisome, describing it as one of the worst since Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
Rev. David Ugolor, Executive Director ANEEJ, made these observations while addressing newsmen on the progress in implementing the Enhancing Social Protection Programme in Nigeria (ESPPIN) project by ANEEJ and the overall poverty situation in Nigeria.
Ugolor said Nigeria, with its 213.4 million-strong population, faces this stark reality of poverty, adding that approximately 63% (133 million people) live in multidimensional poverty, experiencing a range of deprivations that underscore the urgency of robust intervention.
According to him, the sudden removal of fuel subsidies 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.
Ugolor recalled that 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 to improve the lives of the most vulnerable citizens.
He said the National Social Investment Programme, often lauded as one of Africa’s largest social protection programmes, 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, took the helm of this three-year project (2020-2023) to enhance the implementation of the Social Investment Programme across Nigeria.
“We call on the Federal and State Governments to significantly increase their investments in social investment programmes nationwide.
“By bolstering these programmes, we can create opportunities for millions of Nigerians to escape multidimensional poverty, fostering a more prosperous and equitable society”.
Ugolor also disclosed that 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).
He said the final external evaluation of the project has just been completed as part of the project Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) processes.
“The report shows that the ESPPIN project, which began in 2020, has yielded 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 President Muhammadu Buhari 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 discussions 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 the government, civil society organizations, and the media actively monitored SIP implementation across five Nigerian states. Trained stakeholders to undertake at least 10 monitoring activities annually, fostering transparency, accountability, and meaningful collaboration.
“Through this inclusive approach, ANEEJ fostered a shared commitment to effective implementation
“Development Partners Support for Social Protection Programmes. We wish to call on the donor community, the Africa Development Bank, the World Bank and the Private sector to make bold efforts in supporting Social Protection Programmes at the National, sub-national and local levels in the
country to forestall human tragedy in Nigeria.
Moving forward, ANEEJ will continue to advocate, monitor, and collaborate with all development partners to ensure that the gains are secure and impactful.
“We stand poised to continue fostering legislative advocacy, amplifying the voices of vulnerable citizens, and intensifying investment in social programmes, in the hope that together with other stakeholders, we can accelerate the journey towards a future free from
poverty.
“| want to specially appreciate Bread for the World (Germany) and the FCDO for providing the resources for ANEEJ and her partners to implement the Enhancing Social Protection Programme in Nigeria (ESPPIN) project”, Ugolor declared.
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