Nigeria Urged to Enhance Social Protection Systems

During the 26th Regular National Council on Women Affairs and Child Development held in Jalingo, Taraba State, Professor Tanko called for Nigeria to strengthen its social protection systems. In her keynote presentation, she proposed integrating informal mechanisms with formal social protection programs and establishing credible grassroots structures linked to a national guaranteed floor.

Tanko emphasized the importance of addressing gender and social transformation while considering community and institutional histories. She identified institutional fragmentation as a significant barrier to effective service delivery and advocated for both vertical integration across government levels and horizontal integration across sectors.

Drawing lessons from international examples, she recommended creating a comprehensive social register and improving digital infrastructure to enhance efficiency. Tanko highlighted challenges such as poverty, gender inequality, and limited coverage for vulnerable populations.

She also called for better targeting of the $3 billion Social Impact Interventions to ensure resources reach those most in need, advocating for transparency and clearly defined legal entitlements in social protection implementation.