TheCable

Civil society organisations (CSOs) have asked governments at all levels to comprehensively implement social welfare programmes in order to lessen the economic hardship on Nigerians. 

The call was made during a dialogue on social protection and sustainable development organised by PERL-ECP and funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.

The disability and development communities were represented at the event.

Leaders of CSOs at the forum included Rommy Mom, Faith Nwadishi, Funmi Akinyele, David Anyaele, and Otive Igbuzor.

“We are guided by the values of inclusivity, co-creation, empowerment, equity and partnership,” Ogbuzor said.

“The group’s approach to work is anchored on the principles of co-creation and partnership between government and citizens promoted by the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

“Social protection has been acknowledged across the world as a veritable way to reduce poverty. Unfortunately, Nigeria has not benefited fully from the implementation of a comprehensive social protection programme.”

He added that the forum was established to educate Nigerians about the benefits of properly implemented social protection programmes.

Ogbuzor said the forum will work with development partners, private sector and government on the formulation, implementation and evaluation of social protection and sustainable development programmes in Nigeria.