The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigeria’s social support programmes have expanded significantly, growing from fewer than one million households in 2015 to more than 9.4 million households in 2026.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the disclosure during the 2026 International Women’s Day press briefing and the pre-session of the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) held on Friday in Abuja.
According to the minister, the expansion represents a major milestone in the country’s social protection system and reflects the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable families across Nigeria.
“In 2015, fewer than one million households were enrolled in any formal social protection programme. By 2026, national social safety net interventions have reached over 9.4 million households, with women accounting for more than 70 percent of the primary beneficiaries,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that the rapid growth of these programmes highlights the government’s increasing focus on protecting vulnerable citizens, particularly women and families who face economic challenges.
She described the development as one of the most significant transformations in Nigeria’s social protection system since independence.
According to her, strengthening social support structures is critical to ensuring that families remain stable and productive contributors to national development.
The minister also linked the expansion of the programmes to the Federal Government’s broader social development strategy.
She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring 2026 the “Year of Families and Social Development,” describing the move as a major policy step toward prioritising the welfare of Nigerian families.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that the declaration aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on improving the living conditions of citizens through social and economic reforms.
“Families are the foundation of national productivity and social stability,” she said.
She explained that social protection initiatives are designed to help vulnerable households cope with economic shocks, reduce poverty, and improve overall well-being.
The minister emphasised that women have been the primary beneficiaries of many of the programmes, accounting for more than 70 percent of recipients.
According to her, empowering women through social support systems often leads to better outcomes for families and communities.
She noted that women play central roles in managing households, caring for children, and supporting community development.
By targeting women in social intervention programmes, the government aims to ensure that support reaches the most vulnerable members of society.
The minister further stated that Nigeria’s social protection landscape has evolved significantly over the past decade, with stronger systems and policies being developed to support families.
She explained that the ministry has also expanded its focus in recent years to address broader social development issues beyond traditional women-centred programmes.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim revealed that the ministry’s mandate has been widened to include programmes that support children, families, and national social development systems.
She said new institutional structures have been created to strengthen the implementation of these initiatives.
“One of the key reforms we have introduced is the establishment of a dedicated Nutrition Department within the ministry to improve coordination of national nutrition programmes,” she said.
According to her, the department will help strengthen evidence-based interventions aimed at improving child survival and overall family welfare.
The minister explained that improving nutrition and family welfare is an essential part of strengthening Nigeria’s human capital development.
She said addressing malnutrition remains a major priority, particularly for vulnerable families who often face challenges accessing adequate nutrition and healthcare.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also highlighted the importance of legal and policy frameworks that protect women and children across the country.
She pointed to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Act as key instruments that strengthen protection for vulnerable groups.
According to her, significant progress has been made in expanding the adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition law across the country.
“While only 15 states had adopted the Violence Against Persons Prohibition law as of 2015, all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have now enacted the law or equivalent legislation,” she said.
The minister said the progress followed sustained advocacy from the Federal Government, civil society organisations, and state authorities working together to strengthen protections for women and children.
She also acknowledged the role of the media in promoting issues affecting women and vulnerable populations.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged journalists to continue supporting responsible and gender-sensitive reporting that highlights social development challenges and progress across the country.
She noted that gender-focused reporting in Nigeria has improved in recent years, with more media organisations paying attention to issues affecting women and families.
The minister added that sustained media engagement remains essential for building awareness and ensuring continued support for policies that strengthen Nigeria’s social protection systems.
