Advancing Social Protection in a Dynamic Nigeria

This report, on Advancing Social Protection in Nigeria, provides a reasonably detailed analysis of the social protection sector and draws on recent evidence to provide policy options in support of the objectives laid out in the EGRP. Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (EGRP) 2017-20, a medium-term plan for restoring economic growth in the country, aims to increase the resilience of the Nigerian people recognizing them as the nation’s most priceless assets. The EGRP sets out the objectives to provide support for the poorest and most vulnerable members of society by investing in targeted social programs to reduce inequalities and prioritizing job creation to reduce unemployment and underemployment, particularly among the youth. This report contributes to the agenda of advancing social protection in Nigeria by providing an assessment of the social protection sectors. It is divided into three parts. The first part provides a preliminary analysis of available data to highlight the trends and determinants of poverty and vulnerability. The second part analyzes the state of social protection programs, highlights gaps that curtail poverty reduction efforts and discusses the institutional and governance structure of the social protection programs. Finally, the third part offers some policy recommendations on advancing the social protection agenda in the country as well as suggestions on future analysis that will be important to further the SP agenda.