The Impact of Conditional Cash Transfers on Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria
Introduction
The recent approval by the Senate of the request of President Tinubu for a loan of $800 million from the World Bank has raised concerns among Nigerians. This loan is intended to enable the government to transfer the sum of N8,000 per month over six months to 12 million poor households. While the intention is to cushion the inflationary impacts of the removal of fuel subsidy and flotation of the naira, there are concerns about the effectiveness and sustainability of this approach.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 1: No Poverty
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Social Protection and Conditional Cash Transfers
- The discourse on social protection in Nigeria is a worthy conversation, especially given the increasing incidence of poverty in the country.
- The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has implemented a monthly transfer program, but there are controversies over its design and effectiveness.
- Clear evidence of impact is necessary for social protection programs to gain public support.
Concerns and Recommendations
- Giving conditional cash transfers to 12 million households may not effectively target the worst-hit demographic.
- Reducing subsidy on fuel rather than removing it entirely would have been more productive.
- Measures that boost production, create employment, and improve living conditions should be prioritized.
Public Perception and Expectations
- Nigerians believe that the country’s economic challenges existed before Tinubu’s tenure.
- There is a perception that Tinubu has the ability to quickly turn the hardship into gains for most Nigerians.
- If expectations are not met, there may be a crisis of expectations and a feeling of hope betrayed.
Conclusion
The implementation of conditional cash transfers in Nigeria raises important questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of such programs. While social protection is a necessary conversation, it is crucial to ensure that these programs are well-designed, transparent, and capable of delivering on their promises. Additionally, measures that focus on boosting production, creating employment, and improving living conditions should be prioritized to alleviate poverty in Nigeria.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses issues related to poverty, social protection, inflationary impacts, and economic hardship, which are connected to the above-mentioned SDGs.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
- Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.
These targets address the issues of social protection, poverty reduction, access to food, employment, and reducing inequalities discussed in the article.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims and the poor and vulnerable.
- Indicator 2.1.1: Prevalence of undernourishment.
- Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group and persons with disabilities.
- Indicator 10.4.1: Labour share of GDP, comprising wages and social protection transfers.
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets by providing data on the coverage of social protection systems, prevalence of undernourishment, earnings differentials, and the share of labor in GDP.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable. | Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims and the poor and vulnerable. |
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round. | Indicator 2.1.1: Prevalence of undernourishment. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group and persons with disabilities. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality. | Indicator 10.4.1: Labour share of GDP, comprising wages and social protection transfers. |
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Source: premiumtimesng.com
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