Stakeholders advocating for improved social protection in Nigeria have called on the Osun State Government to expand and strengthen its social protection policy as a key step toward reducing poverty and improving livelihoods in the state.
The call was made on Tuesday during the Osun State Dialogue on Social Protection, organised under the Act Naija Project in partnership with the Osun State Ministry of Economic Planning, Budget and Development.
The dialogue, themed “Strengthening Collaborative Action for Inclusive, Transparent and Accountable Social Protection in Osun State,” brought together representatives of civil society organisations, government ministries, non-governmental organisations, persons with disabilities, the National Orientation Agency, traditional and religious leaders, and the media.
The three-year Act Naija Project, co-funded by the European Union, is being implemented by Bread for the World (Germany), Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), and the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD).
Speaking at the event, the Osun State Programme Officer of the Act Naija Project, Olaniyan Boluwatife, stressed the need for a more inclusive and coordinated framework to guide the state’s social protection policy.
Citing reports from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), she noted that poverty levels remain high in Osun, particularly in rural communities, with over half of households classified as multi-dimensionally poor — facing deprivations in health, education, and living standards.
She added that the removal of fuel subsidy had further worsened living conditions by driving up transport, food, and energy costs, disproportionately affecting the poor and vulnerable.
“The way we can improve social protection programmes in the state is by strengthening stakeholders through capacity building, workshops, and promoting transparency and inclusivity,” she said.
Boluwatife further revealed that a baseline survey showed low public awareness of social protection initiatives in the state, with concerns about favouritism and political interference in the selection of beneficiaries.
“We are collaborating with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to strengthen social protection programmes, promote accountability, and change the lives of the poorest in our society,” she added.
Director of Development Cooperation in the Ministry of Budget, Planning, Economy and Development, D.G. Iyanda, explained that social protection policies should cover all stages of life, from childhood to old age.
He said effective implementation requires a comprehensive policy backed by legislation and strong collaboration among all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
“If social protection programmes are expanded and strengthened, social vices common among idle youths will be reduced, and the economy of the state will improve as beneficiaries contribute to development,” Iyanda noted.
Also speaking, the Director of Women Affairs in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Oladele, called for more government efforts to reach poor households and address their specific needs.
She said the ministry had introduced several initiatives, including a women’s clinic to respond promptly to issues affecting women and girls, but added that more still needs to be done to close existing gaps.
Stakeholders at the dialogue agreed to intensify awareness about social protection programmes and urged the state government to redouble efforts in addressing poverty and promoting inclusive development across Osun State.
