Growth from below: Poverty reduction beyond social protection in Nigeria
Think tank: Institute of Development Studies
Author(s): Kareem Abdulrasaq; Andrew Shepherd
October 13, 2025
This report from UK think tank the Institute of Development Studies discusses poverty reduction beyond social protection in Nigeria.
Agriculture and informal economies provide essential livelihoods in Nigeria, but they face challenges such as climate shocks, conflict, low investment, and financial exclusion. Resilience strategies include diversification, microfinance access and entrepreneurial ventures, but policy support is limited, particularly for informal activities.
Government focus needs to shift from taxation to productive support, to enhance financial inclusion, strengthen social protection, and empower women through asset ownership and business development.
Sustainable poverty reduction requires adaptive policies that integrate economic stability, peacebuilding, infrastructure, and social resilience.
