“Act Naija!”: EU-Co-Funded Social Protection Project Kicks Off in Nigeria

Nigeria witnessed the official launch of a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening social protection systems across the country. The “Act Naija! – Civil Society Action to Strengthen Social Protection in Nigeria” project was formally inaugurated during a high-level Kick-Off Conference held from May 27–29, 2025, in Abuja. The event gathered consortium members, civil society leaders, media professionals, development partners, and government officials to chart a strategic roadmap for the three-year initiative.

Co-funded by the European Union under its Human Rights and Support to Civil Society in Nigeria programme, the €1 million project will be jointly implemented by three dynamic organizations:
• Bread for the World (BfdW) – Lead Partner (Germany)
• Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) – Co-Partner (Nigeria)
• New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) – Co-Partner (Nigeria)

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A Unified Effort for a More Inclusive Nigeria

The “Act Naija!” project seeks to reduce poverty and inequality by fostering inclusive social protection systems through enhanced dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy between civil society and government. The project aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the European Union’s Multiannual Indicative Plan (MIP) 2021–2027, especially in building resilient and democratic societies.

Bread for the World, the lead partner, brings over 60 years of global development experience and 40 years of engagement in Nigeria. Representing the consortium to the EU, BfdW will coordinate overall project implementation while sharing insights with international networks, including the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors (GCSPF).

ANEEJ, with over three decades of grassroots development work, will lead the national-level implementation in the FCT and four states: Borno, Delta, Enugu, and Kogi. Building on its successful Enhancing Social Protection in Nigeria (ESPPIN) project, ANEEJ brings a wealth of expertise in policy advocacy, citizen engagement, and accountability mechanisms.

NISD will lead implementation in Ekiti, Ondo, and Osun states. Since 1998, NISD has advanced social and economic development through capacity building, research, and community engagement, focusing particularly on vulnerable groups.

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Why Social Protection Matters Now More Than Ever

Nigeria, despite its economic potential, faces staggering poverty levels. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2022), over 88 million Nigerians live on less than $1.90 a day. With 63% of the population classified as multidimensionally poor and a low Human Development Index ranking (161/193), inclusive social policies are critical to ensuring equitable progress.

“Act Naija!” responds to this challenge by empowering civil society organisations (CSOs), community-based organisations (CBOs), and vulnerable populations to advocate for their rights, access social protection programmes, and influence public policy.

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Reaching the Grassroots

Over the next three years, the project will directly engage 2,120 people across 63 communities in 21 LGAs spread across 7 Nigerian states and the FCT. Special focus will be placed on:
• Women and girls (60% of direct beneficiaries)
• Persons with disabilities (PWDs)
• Internally displaced persons (IDPs) (especially in Borno State)
• Youths, farmers, artisans, and petty traders
• Government MDAs, media, private sector, and international stakeholders

Already, a key milestone has been reached: the consortium has commissioned Impact Evaluators as technical partners to develop a project baseline. Following recent fieldwork, baseline data collection is now complete—paving the way for meaningful monitoring and evaluation of the project’s impact.

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A Call to Action

As the “Act Naija!” project kicks off, stakeholders are united in their commitment to fostering social justice, inclusive governance, and sustainable poverty alleviation. Through advocacy, capacity building, and evidence-based policy engagement, the consortium aims to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection landscape for generations to come.

Stay Engaged. Stay Informed.

Follow our journey as we work together to build a Nigeria where no one is left behind. For updates, stories from the field, and opportunities to collaborate, stay connected with ANEEJ, NISD, and Bread for the World.

“Together, we can drive the change needed to create a fairer and more equitable Nigeria.”

-Rev David Ugolor, Executive Director, ANEEJ