In response to the alarming revelation that 133 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty, the National Social Protection Forum, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) dedicated to social protection programs and policies, has initiated a strategic plan to address this pressing issue.
During a training session on Revenue Mobilization in Kaduna for CSOs in Zamfara, Jigawa, and Kaduna States, Dr. Taiwo Benson, the National Coordinator of the organization, emphasized the need for a collaborative effort to tackle the multifaceted challenges of poverty and vulnerability in the country.
Benson highlighted data from the National Bureau of Statistics, emphasizing the urgency for government interventions. He urged the design of programs, policies, and legislation to uplift the 133 million multidimensionally poor Nigerians and prevent those on the brink of poverty from falling into it, emphasizing that Social Protection is the key to achieving this goal.
The National Social Protection Forum is working in tandem with the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), a federal government agency, and other development partners to create comprehensive strategies to combat poverty and vulnerability.
Yimave Gyangyang and Victor Agharanduku from Save The Children International underscored the importance of regular training to enhance the capacity of CSOs to assist the government in addressing the needs of the poor and vulnerable.
They emphasized that with robust accountability mechanisms and effective implementation of the Social Protection Policy, the number of impoverished individuals can be significantly reduced.
Jessica Bartholomew, Chairman of the Kaduna Social Protection Accountability Coalition and Secretary of the National Social Protection Forum, revealed that the training aimed at establishing a sustainability plan to bring about positive change in social protection.
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She highlighted the need to equip CSOs with the necessary information to secure funds for program implementation and sustainability.
Bartholomew also mentioned that CSO members engage directly with communities, sensitizing them and assessing the impact of government programs in the fight against poverty and vulnerability.
The National Social Protection Forum is optimistic that its collaborative efforts will contribute to a substantial decrease in the number of people living in poverty and vulnerability, particularly at the grassroots level.
