Alltimepost.com Sincerity of Purpose
By Igbotako Nowinta
Abuja, Nigeria – Rev. David Ugolor, Executive Director, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), has said that social protection remains a key instrument for breaking the cycle of poverty.
The frontline human and environmental rights activist made the remarks when presenting his address during the inaugural meeting of the Act Naija! National Steering Committee meeting, which took place at the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja, on Tuesday November 25, 2025.
Ugolor emphasized that promotion of human dignity, and fostering inclusive growth were essential in fighting poverty, saying its success depends on effective coordination among all stakeholders — government, civil society, private sector, and development partners.
Rev. Ugolor also said the The National Steering Committee was an essential mechanism for aligning policy, practice, and partnership toward achieving sustainable outcomes.
According to the seasoned environmentalist: “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection system and ensure that no citizen is left behind.
“The Act Naija! Project — Civil Society Action to Strengthen Social Protection in Nigeria is not just another development initiative; it is a collaborative platform bringing together government actors, civil society organisations, and development partners to promote inclusive, sustainable, and accountable social protection delivery across the federation.”
He averred: “Together, let us build a Nigeria where every citizen has access to basic social protection — where poverty is no longer destiny, and where government and civil society jointly create pathways to shared prosperity.
“We are committed to supporting the Ministry and the state governments to strengthen policy frameworks, expand coverage, ensure transparency in programme delivery, and deepen citizen engagement in social protection governance. This collaboration, co-funded by the European Union, reflects the global commitment to promoting social justice and reducing inequality in Nigeria:”
This inaugural meeting had three major purposes. Firstly, it formally inaugurated the National Steering Committee (NSC) and the National Working Group on Social Protection under the Act Naija! Project — a platform that will provide policy direction, coordination, and oversight for project implementation.
Secondly, it reviewed national-level updates on social protection policies and programmes, especially those led by the Ministry and other key MDAs. And thirdly, it received progress reports from the seven implementing states — Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Kogi, Enugu, Delta, and Borno, showcasing their achievements, challenges, and lessons learned in advancing social protection systems within their contexts.
The deliberations at the occasion provided the foundation for a more coordinated, inclusive, and evidence-based approach to social protection delivery in the country. It generated robust discussions, strategic guidance, and shared insights that shall shape the next phase of the collective work.
Dignitaries who graced the epochal event included the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Benard M. Doro, who chaired the meeting; distinguished Commissioners from Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Kogi, Enugu, Delta, and Borno States; esteemed members of the National Steering Committee; colleagues from the Act Naija! Consortium — Bread for the World, NISD, ANEEJ, and journalists.
The programme was jointly sponsored by the consortium partners namely, Bread for the World (Germany), New Initiative for Sustainable Development (NISD), and the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ).
