FG, UNICEF Join Forces to Enhance Social Protection for Vulnerable Nigerians

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the social protection system to address the pressing issues of poverty. This renewed commitment was highlighted at the 3rd Edition of the Social Protection Cross Learning Summit held in Abuja.

Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, spoke on behalf of the Social Protection Development Partners Group, emphasizing the importance of social protection in realizing the rights of every child. Munduate stated, “Child-sensitive social protection is key to ensuring that every child reaches their full potential.”

Despite advancements, social protection coverage remains low in Nigeria, with only 7 percent of children currently covered. Weak coordination mechanisms contribute to fragmentation and inefficiency within the system. The summit aims to generate actionable insights and foster collaboration among key players to enhance coverage, coordination, and financing of social protection interventions.

Munduate outlined the objectives of the summit as follows:

1. **Raise Awareness**: Highlight how social protection can mitigate poverty, enhance economic stability, and promote inclusive growth through social assistance (cash transfers), social security (health insurance), and labor market regulation.

2. **Improve Delivery and Coordination**: Propose measures to improve delivery and coordination mechanisms for effective coverage and impact of social protection programs.

The summit brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss strategies for improving the social protection system in Nigeria. Participants included government officials, representatives from international organizations, civil society groups, and development partners.

The discussions focused on identifying practical steps to expand social protection coverage, improve coordination among agencies, and secure sustainable financing for social protection programs. The ultimate goal is to create a robust social protection system that can effectively address poverty and support the well-being of all Nigerians, particularly children.

The Federal Government and its partners are committed to translating the insights from the summit into concrete actions that will strengthen Nigeria’s social protection framework and ensure that vulnerable populations receive the support they need.