📄 Abstract
This study examines the role of social protection and gender equity in promoting economic empowerment in Nigeria. Despite various policy initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and promoting inclusive development, many Nigerians particularly women continue to experience limited access to economic opportunities, productive resources, and social services. Persistent challenges such as poverty, unemployment, gender inequality, and limited access to education and financial resources have constrained the economic participation of vulnerable populations. Reports from the World Bank indicate that about 40 percent of Nigerians live below the national poverty line, highlighting the need for effective social protection policies and gender-sensitive development strategies. The study adopts an analytical research approach based on the review of existing literature, policy documents, and academic studies on social protection, gender equity, and economic empowerment in Nigeria. Relevant scholarly works and policy reports were examined to analyze how social protection programmes and gender-equitable policies contribute to improving the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable groups, especially women. Findings from the review reveal that social protection programmes such as conditional cash transfers, youth employment initiatives, and women empowerment schemes have contributed to poverty reduction and improved household welfare in Nigeria. However, the study also finds that gender inequality continues to limit women’s access to economic opportunities, education, credit facilities, and productive resources. Evidence further shows that social protection programmes that incorporate gender equity measures are more effective in promoting women’s participation in economic activities and improving household welfare. Nevertheless, challenges such as inadequate funding, weak programme implementation, corruption, and limited public awareness continue to hinder the effectiveness of these initiatives. The study concludes that strengthening social protection systems and promoting gender equity are essential for achieving economic empowerment and sustainable development in Nigeria. It recommends improved policy implementation, increased investment in social protection programmes, enhanced access to education and financial resources for women, and stronger monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure transparency and effectiveness in programme delivery.
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📚 How to Cite:
FATAI Alexander Oluwatosin, EGWEMI-UGBEDA C. Ejura, Ph.D , OMEDE Monica Esther , SOCIAL PROTECTION AND GENDER EQUITY TOWARDS ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT IN NIGERIA , Volume 12 , Issue 8, August 2026, International Journal of Global Economic Light (JGEL) , Pages: 5 - 16 ,