Result achieved

Linked projects

- Nigeria - National institutions, legal and policy frameworks on social protection strengthened (country programme 2016-17)

Outcome summary

On 19 July 2017, the Federal Executive Council of Nigeria approved the first National Social Protection Policy for the country.

Outcome achieved

On 19 July 2017, the Federal Executive Council of Nigeria approved the first National Social Protection Policy for the country. The policy, which was finalized in November 2016, established a framework to ensure a minimum social floor for all Nigerian citizens for a life of dignity. It has ten objectives and one of them is to ensure decent employment and sustainable livelihood. The policy covers the social protection floor and minimum standards on social security. At the meeting for the adoption of the policy, the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning stated that the social investment programme being implemented by the Government – targeting especially youth and women in rural areas – draws from the Social Protection Policy.

ILO's contribution to the outcome

The ILO provided technical inputs to the draft policy document in line with the Social Protection Floors Recommendation, 2012 (No. 202) and the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102). The ILO also mobilized the participation of tripartite partners in a meeting for the development of the policy. The ILO is also a member of the donor group on social protection in Nigeria, which actively participated in the process.

Gender equality & non-discrimination

The National Social Protection Policy establishes a gender-sensitive and age-appropriate framework to ensure a minimum social floor for all Nigerian citizens for a life of dignity. One of the priorities of the National Social Protection Policy is the provision of free health care services for pregnant women, lactating mothers, children aged 0–4, the elderly (people over 65 years old) and people living with disabilities. It also provides universal access to the Health Insurance Scheme (HIS).

2017 NGA153 Employment services , Family benefits , Health care , Income security , Employment policy , Gender , ILO standards , Social health protection , Legislation , Children , Informal economy workers , Rural workers , Self-employed , Women , Disability , Maternity , Employment injury , Old-age , Sickness , Survivors , Unemployment