By Ahmad D Garba
ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, has appealed to Federal and State Governments to consider Social Protection Policy for vulnerable Nigerians.
The Deputy Country Director, AAN, Suwaiba Dankabo, while speaking on the 2023 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty with the the theme ‘Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting Dignity in Practice for All’ pointed out that the political will to fight poverty is highly needed and making it all encompassing.
The event was held with residents of Gofidna Community, under Jiwa Abuja Municipal Area Council AMAC, FCT, Abuja.
According to AAN, the policy will go a long way to drastically reduce poverty across the country and raise the standard of living of indigent Nigerians if properly implemented.
“As we commemorate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, with the theme: ‘Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting Dignity in Practice for All’. This theme strikes at the very heart of our mission to transform the lives of millions trapped in the cycle of poverty, and it resonates profoundly with the realities we face in Nigeria.
“In Nigeria, the struggle against poverty is not one-dimensional. It encompasses a web of interconnected challenges that touch upon livelihoods, access to basic needs, and the absence of social protection for the most vulnerable among us.
“The stark reality is that in Nigeria, millions of our fellow citizens grapple with multidimensional poverty every day.
“We must understand that poverty, in all its dimensions, robs individuals of their inherent dignity and potential. It deprives them of the opportunity to access quality education, healthcare, and meaningful employment. It limits their ability to shape their own destinies and contribute fully to our society.
“As ActionAid Nigeria, is totally committed to the course of eradicating poverty in all its forms.
“Over the years, we have worked tirelessly to empower communities, amplify their voices, and advocate for policies that foster inclusivity and equity”. Dankabo noted.
“According to the NBS report, out of over 200 million Nigerians, a staggering 133 million are ensnared in multidimensional poverty.
“The burden of poverty is disproportionately higher in rural areas, where 72 per cent of people face deprivation, compared to 42 per cent in urban areas. 29 per cent of school-aged children are not attending school, with a staggering 94 per cent of these out-of-school children live in poverty.
“Furthermore, over 26 per cent of Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty reside in households with a child between the ages of 6 and 15 who are not attending school.
