The African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has expressed concern over Delta State’s social protection framework, citing poor coordination, underfunding, and inadequate coverage of vulnerable populations.
Speaking at a stakeholder dialogue organised by the Delta State Ministry of Economic Planning in collaboration with the Act Naija Consortium in Asaba, ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, revealed that 36.3 percent of Delta State’s population, over 1.5 million people, live in multidimensional poverty, according to the 2022 National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).
Ugolor noted that the figures mask significant inequalities across the state’s three senatorial districts. “Delta North records the highest levels of deprivation, largely due to its rural nature and poor access to essential services such as sanitation, healthcare, and education,” he said.
“Delta Central, though more urbanised, suffers from high youth unemployment and weak social protection coverage, while Delta South shows mixed outcomes, with better urban indicators but deep poverty in coastal communities.”
In response, the Delta State Government reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up social protection measures aimed at reducing poverty and boosting economic resilience.
Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Chris Osakwe, stressed the need for a comprehensive approach.
“Accelerating inclusive social protection in Delta State requires a multi-faceted strategy that addresses the unique needs of our diverse population,” he said.
The dialogue, themed “Accelerating Inclusive Social Protection in Delta State: Building Stronger Systems for Poverty Reduction and Resilience,” brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, and development partners.
Onyeme commended the Act Naija Consortium, which includes Bread for the World (Germany), ANEEJ, and the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD), with co-funding from the European Union, for championing the effort.
