Poverty in Nigeria: A Social Protection Framework for the Most Vulnerable Groups of Internally Displaced Persons

Emmanuel Okokondem Okon

doi:10.46281/aijssr.v2i1.169

Abstract

Despite strong economic growth in Nigeria, 54% of the population remains in poverty. Of significant concern is the fact that the poverty rate has doubled in the past 20 years. Internal displacement in Nigeria is a recurring and large-scale phenomenon and has affected most of the country’s 36 states. The country has seen many waves of displacement, both small and large scale, caused essentially by conflict, generalized violence, natural disasters and human rights violations all leading to loss of lives, properties and livelihood which in turn lead to deprivation, poverty and vulnerability. The operational definition of vulnerability in this paper as applied to the most vulnerable IDPs covers those categories of internally displaced persons who may never recover from the shocks of displacement and may become chronic poor as such worsening the poverty situation in Nigeria. This paper attempts a social protection framework for the most vulnerable IDPs as well as exit strategies. Protecting this vulnerable group is vital to poverty reduction especially as the country is presently suffering the adverse effects of dwindling revenue from crude oil and gas sectors, which today accounts for about 95 per cent of its revenue.

Highlights

Despite strong economic growth in Nigeria, 54% of the population remains in poverty
Africa’s largest populated country has seen many waves of displacement, both small and large scale, caused essentially by conflict, generalized violence, natural disasters and human rights violations leading all leading to loss of lives, properties and livelihood which in turn leads to poverty and deprivation
Most advocates of social protection do not make the second connection which we argue is of fundamental importance to long-term poverty reduction, namely the positive relationship between livelihood security and enhanced autonomy or empowerment

Summary

Introduction

Despite strong economic growth in Nigeria, 54% of the population remains in poverty. Of significant concern is the fact that the poverty rate has doubled in the past 20 years. Types of Social Protection i)Social Assistance Social assistance is direct, regular and predictable cash or in-kind resources transfers to poor and vulnerable individuals or households (Arnold et al, 2011) It is usually provided by the state and financed by national taxes (Barrientos, 2010). Public works programmes (PWPs; or Public Employment Programmes): provide jobs on infrastructure projects for cash or food They are sometimes classified as labour market interventions depending on whether their function is primarily poverty alleviation, job creation, or social protection. Absolute poverty means about the same everywhere, and can be eradicated as demonstrated by some countries. (2) Relative poverty occurs when people do not enjoy a certain minimum level of living standards as determined by a government (and enjoyed by the bulk of the population) that vary from country to country, sometimes within the same country

Literature Review

Most Vulnerable Groups of IDPs

Conclusion

Findings

Background