The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has unveiled a project tagged “ACT Naija” an action aimed at strengthening social protection for the vulnerable in the society. The project is to be implemented in seven states across the federation, which were selected based on some considerations and poverty indicators.
The initiative is being implemented by a consortium comprising ANEEJ, the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) and Bread for the World (BfTW), Germany, and co-funded by the European Union (EU).
The project seeks to promote inclusive, transparent and accountable social protection systems across seven Nigerian states — Borno, Delta, Enugu, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.
Rev. David Ugolor, Executive Director, ANEEJ, while unveiling the project at its management workshop in Abuja, said there was need to engage the government for effective implementation of social protection law to alleviate poverty.
Ugolor, represented by Mr Leo Atakpu, Deputy Executive Director, ANEEJ, emphasised the need for a stronger legislative framework at the subnational and federal levels to drive the National Social Protection initiative.
“The figures are disturbing; as I speak to you, 133 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty, we need to target the vulnerable population to ensure that they are pulled out of the poverty line.
“This project is to enable evidence-based monitoring to promote citizens’ awareness and inclusion in the national social register,” he said.
According to Ugolor, the project also aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 16 and 17 which focuses on addressing poverty alleviation, strong instructions and global partnership.
In terms of scope and target groups, he said the project would reach 2,120 individuals, targeting 150 CSOs, 30 Community Based Organisations and five Persons with Disability.
He included others to be reached as 1,000 women groups members, including petty traders and farmers, 300 youth leaders, 60 media professionals and 80 government officials and international agencies.
“We will review objectives and expected outcomes and define key milestones and deliverables.”
The Project Manager for “ACT Naija,” Ms Chiara Casareua, said they had been wanting to expand the scope of partnership with their various partners and seeking opportunities for more cooperation.
Team Lead of EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Ruben Alba, expressed support towards the realisation of the project to assist the vulnerable in the country.
Also speaking, Mr Steve Tsado, Project Manager of New Initiative for Social Development, expressed optimism towards effective implementation of the project which was designed to strengthen advocacy for social inclusion and institutional reforms.
“As a partner collaborating with ‘Act Naija’ project, we have over two decades experience working in communities in Nigeria and have an active footprint in over 20 states doing so much in social development.
“We are very excited to join our partners in driving social protection; we consider it critical to Nigerians and look forward to joining efforts to drive desired objectives of the project,” he said.
