Social Protection Coverage For Children Low In Nigeria -UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has lamented that despite the Federal Government’s significant strides on the development of several programmes, social protection coverage in Nigeria remains low, with only seven per cent of children covered.
The UNICEF Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate disclosed this at the 3rd Edition of the Social Protection Cross Learning Summit held in Abuja.
She added that social protection is crucial in realizing the rights of every child, while noting that child-sensitive social protection is key to ensuring that every child reaches their full potential.
The UNICEF Representative commended the government for significant strides on the development of several programmes and single registry.
“However, there is a need to ensure stronger linkages between social protection and essential social services with focus on health, education, and nutrition.
“Despite advancements, social protection coverage remains low, with only seven percent of children covered.
“Coordination mechanisms are weak, leading to fragmentation and inefficiency.
“Therefore, the summit aims to generate actionable insights and foster collaboration among key players to enhance coverage, coordination, and financing of social protection interventions,” she said.
In a communique released at the end of the event, the federal government in collaboration with UNICEF and development partners, emphasized the critical need to strengthen the social protection system to address growing poverty.
The communique was jointly endorsed by UNICEF Representative, Ms Munduate, EU Ambassador in Nigeria, Ms. Samuela Isopi, and Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.
According to the communique, Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, faces significant challenges in human capital development, and deprivations in health, education, nutrition, water, hygiene, sanitation, and child protection.
It noted that the situation underscores the urgency for comprehensive and effective social protection strategies.
“In response to these challenges, the government of Nigeria introduced a cash transfer program, providing 25,000 Naira over a three-month period to poor and vulnerable households. This initiative aims to alleviate immediate economic pressures and mitigate the socio-economic impact of recent economic reforms.
“Our goal is to create a comprehensive support network that addresses the multifaceted needs of children and families, ultimately leading to improved outcomes in health, education, and overall well-being. We must work together to bridge gaps and strengthen coordination,” the communique said
Earlier, in his address, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Edun, emphasized the importance of integrated social protection systems.
According to him, Nigeria is committed to ensuring access to social protection for all and removing the barriers that people face in accessing these services.
“As a result, the government is engaged to implement, with the support from relevant stakeholders, including the Social Protection Development Partner Group, the agreed action points from the summit,” he said.
