Nigeria’s Social Protection Scheme: Progress, Challenges, and Possibilities

Nigeria’s social protection scheme presents a dynamic mix of promise and challenges as the country seeks to ensure a safety net for its most vulnerable citizens. Anchored by the National Social Protection Policy (NSPP), the system is structured to address poverty, promote social inclusion, and support economic security through a range of programs. These include contributory schemes such as national health insurance, pensions, and employment-related benefits, alongside non-contributory interventions like cash transfers and food assistance targeted at the poorest households.

One of the core strengths of Nigeria’s social protection framework lies in its lifecycle and rights-based approach, aligning support with different stages of life and targeting disadvantaged groups such as orphans, the elderly, and informal workers. Efforts to digitize the national ID system have also helped improve beneficiary targeting and expand access to financial services. Furthermore, partnerships with development organizations have boosted program delivery, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, when emergency cash transfers reached millions of citizens.

However, major shortcomings remain. A key issue is the limited coverage of excluded and informal populations due to gaps in social registers and weak data systems. In addition, fragmented implementation across agencies and chronic underfunding reduce the effectiveness and sustainability of these initiatives. While the foundation of Nigeria’s social protection system is promising, more robust coordination, targeted reforms, and dependable financing are essential to achieving its full impact.