Lagos reaffirms support for vulnerable residents

The Lagos State Government has pledged to continue its support for thousands of vulnerable families across the state. This commitment extends to widows struggling to provide for their children and small business owners seeking economic recovery.

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Our interventions will only be effective when we work together, improve our targeting and ensure that government support reaches the most vulnerable members of society.

Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, highlighted the importance of integrating social protection principles into government programs. Speaking at a workshop in Alausa, Ikeja, she explained that the initiative aims to equip participants with practical skills for implementing interventions that reduce poverty, protect vulnerable residents, and foster social inclusion.

Ojo stressed that effective social protection relies on inter-agency collaboration, enhanced targeting, and accountability. "Our interventions will only be effective when we work together, improve our targeting and ensure that government support reaches the most vulnerable members of society," she stated. The workshop sought to deepen understanding of the state's social protection policy measures.

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I want to challenge representatives of participating Ministries, Departments and Agencies to assess the impact of their programmes by asking critical questions. Are interventions improving access to education? Are communities becoming more resilient to economic shocks and climate-related emergencies such as flooding? Are government programmes inclusive and gender-responsive?

Officials also emphasized the need for continuous evaluation. Mr. Yusuf Semiu, Director of the Social Protection Coordinating Department, challenged representatives to assess their programs' impact on education, resilience to economic and climate shocks, and inclusivity. Mr. Tayo Oseni, Director of the Lagos Bureau of Statistics, underscored social protection as a pillar of sustainable development, urging implementing agencies to leverage the state's Single Social Register for identifying and assisting residents.

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The implementing agencies need to take ownership of the initiative and maximise the state’s Single Social Register to identify and support residents who require government assistance.