The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to building an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable social protection system, calling for stronger collaboration among development partners, civil society organisations, academia, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector to safeguard vulnerable residents across the state.
This position was reaffirmed at the Lagos State Social Protection Partners’ Forum held on Wednesday at the Dover Hotel, Ikeja.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo described social protection as “a fundamental right, not a privilege,” emphasising that coordinated, multi-stakeholder action is critical to addressing poverty and inequality.
The forum provides a platform for shared learning and the co-creation of strategies aimed at strengthening Lagos State’s social protection ecosystem and ensuring that investments translate into measurable improvements in the lives of residents.
Mrs. Ojo noted that with a population exceeding 20 million and rapid urbanisation, Lagos faces increasing social and economic vulnerabilities that require data-driven, inclusive, and sustainable interventions.
She highlighted key milestones achieved by the State Government, including the development of the Lagos State Social Protection Policy aligned with the National Social Protection Policy, the institutionalisation of a Social Protection Coordinating Department, the implementation of programmes such as Conditional Cash Transfers and Lagos CARES, and the ongoing development of a comprehensive Social Register covering all LGAs and LCDAs.
“With over 20 socio-functional MDAs implementing more than 90 social interventions and over ₦140 billion in budgetary allocations, there is a clear need for improved coordination and alignment among partners,” she said, urging stakeholders to prioritise programme integration, data digitalisation, sustainability in planning and budgeting, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups.
Also speaking at the forum, the UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria, Ms. Beatrice Eyong commended Lagos State for its leadership in advancing a social protection system anchored on dignity, equity, and inclusion while stressing the need for gender-responsive frameworks.
She noted that women – particularly those in the informal sector – remain disproportionately vulnerable to poverty and economic shocks, adding that gender-disaggregated data and inclusive digital access are essential to ensuring that no one is left behind.
Reaffirming support for Lagos State’s social protection agenda, UNICEF’s Social Protection Specialist, Mr. Muhammed Okorie and Stanbic IBTC’s representative, Mr. Ademola Abere commended the State Government for its commitment to grassroots impact, responsible governance, and sustained support for the most vulnerable members of society.
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