Enugu Stakeholders Push for Stronger Social Protection Policy

Stakeholders have called on the Enugu State Government to strengthen its social protection policy in order to combat poverty and support vulnerable groups. The appeal was made during the Enugu State Social Protection Dialogue, organized by the Act Naija Project in partnership with the State Economic Planning Commission.

The dialogue, themed “Accelerating Inclusive Social Protection in Enugu State—Building Stronger System for Poverty Eradication and Resilience”, brought together government officials, development partners, and civil society organizations.

Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics, speakers highlighted that poverty remains high in Enugu, especially in rural communities, where more than half of households are multidimensionally poor.

Key challenges identified include:

• Poor living conditions.

• Gaps in education and healthcare access.

• Rising transportation, food, and energy costs—worsened by the removal of fuel subsidies.

“We must work towards establishing a legal framework, creating a coordinating mechanism, strengthening budgetary commitments, and ensuring that targeting and delivery are fair, transparent, and inclusive,” said Leo Atarpu, Deputy Executive Director of ANEEJ.

Atarpu noted that the National Social Protection Agency Act (2023) provides an opportunity for states like Enugu to adopt similar reforms. He urged the State House of Assembly and Governor Peter Mbah to pass a legal framework that would ensure social protection programs reach the most vulnerable households.

The Act Naija Project, co-funded by the European Union and supported by Bread for the World (Germany), ANEEJ, and the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD), aims to expand inclusivity in Nigeria’s social protection system over the next three years.

According to Matthew Megwai, Enugu State Programme Officer for Act Naija:

• The state lacks an official coordination structure for social protection.

• Ministries deliver interventions independently, with little collaboration.

• Only 9% of households received social protection in the past year, mainly through cash transfers.

• The 2025 budget prioritizes health, youth, and infrastructure, with limited funding for social services.

Representatives of the Enugu State Government highlighted ongoing initiatives to empower vulnerable groups:

• 400 people trained in food processing and packaging for local and international markets.

• 300 youths trained in CCTV and solar panel installation.

• 50 indigent people trained in lunch bag making.

• 950 victims of herdsmen attacks in Ehamufu trained in food processing and packaging.

While acknowledging these successes, officials admitted that gaps in coverage, coordination, and sustainable financingremain.

Goodwill Messages: 

• Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, said the dialogue aligns with her ministry’s mission to protect women, children, and people with disabilities.

• Mr. Nnanyelugo Onyishi, Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Planning Commission, reiterated the government’s commitment to poverty reduction but emphasized the need for stronger structures and financing.