ActionAid Urges Stronger Social Protection to Eradicate Poverty

ActionAid Nigeria, a leading international non-governmental organization (NGO), has urged governments at all levels to prioritize stronger social protection systems as a crucial step towards eradicating poverty in the country.

The call was made at the 2026 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty celebration held at Offa Igbo Community I, Lagelu Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State. The event was attended by various stakeholders, including community leaders, government officials, and representatives from civil society organizations.

In a statement released after the event, ActionAid Nigeria emphasized the importance of access to decent housing, healthcare, education, and sustainable livelihoods in combating poverty.

The organization highlighted the need for a comprehensive and inclusive social protection system, arguing that such a system would ensure that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to essential services and opportunities.

According to the United Nations, social protection refers to a set of policies and programs designed to reduce the negative impacts of various risks on individuals and households, such as poverty, unemployment, sickness, disability, old age, and external shocks.

ActionAid Nigeria’s call for stronger social protection systems is timely, given the ongoing economic challenges facing the country.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s poverty rate increased from 40.1% in 2019 to 42.0% in 2020, affecting an estimated 83 million people.

ActionAid Nigeria’s intervention comes at a time when the Nigerian government is grappling with implementing its National Social Protection Policy (NSPP), which aims to ensure that vulnerable and excluded individuals have access to essential services and opportunities.

The policy, which was launched in 2018, outlines various programs and initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and improving the wellbeing of Nigerians.

However, the implementation of the policy has been slow, with many of the proposed programs yet to be fully rolled out.

ActionAid Nigeria’s call for stronger social protection systems is a reminder that the government and other stakeholders must prioritize the eradication of poverty in Nigeria.

Sources:
1. ActionAid Nigeria (2026). ActionAid tasks FG, stakeholders on stronger social protection to eradicate poverty. [tribuneonlineng.com](http://tribuneonlineng.com/actionaid-tasks-fg-stakeholders-on-stronger-social-protection-to-eradicate-poverty/).