FG Expands Social Protection to Combat Poverty in Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to strengthening coordination across humanitarian interventions and expanding investments in social protection programs to tackle poverty and humanitarian challenges. Dr.

Bernard M. Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, stated that the ministry is open to engaging with various stakeholders to promote collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

He described poverty as a pressing national challenge, exacerbated by multidimensional deprivation in healthcare, education, housing, food security, and livelihoods. The situation is worsened by insecurity, displacement, and climate-related shocks.

Dr. Doro noted that poverty and insecurity are interconnected with unemployment and crime.

The ministry is reforming the humanitarian and poverty response systems to harmonize interventions, eliminate duplication, and improve efficiency. Mr.

Foyinsolami Akinjayeju from EFInA highlighted the need for financial inclusion, particularly among women and rural populations, to enhance financial resilience.