Background of the Study
Social security is a fundamental human right that ensures individuals have access to basic economic and social protection against life risks such as unemployment, old age, disability, sickness, and poverty. Globally, social security systems are designed to provide financial assistance and social services to vulnerable populations, ensuring economic stability and social justice. In Nigeria, the right to social security is indirectly recognized under the constitutional framework, particularly within the Directive Principles of State Policy outlined in Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) (Adebayo & Yusuf, 2024). However, these provisions are not justiciable, meaning individuals cannot legally enforce them in court, thus limiting their practical application.
Nigeria’s social security system is largely fragmented, consisting of various schemes such as the National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), the Pension Reform Act, and the Employees’ Compensation Act. Despite these frameworks, many Nigerians, particularly in informal sectors and rural communities, do not benefit from any structured social security program (Okonkwo & Ibrahim, 2023). The inadequacy of social security coverage in Nigeria raises critical questions about the role of constitutional law in promoting and protecting these rights.
In Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, access to social security remains a major challenge. The area has witnessed socio-economic instability due to factors such as intercommunal conflicts, unemployment, and economic hardship. Many residents, particularly the elderly, disabled individuals, and low-income earners, struggle to access government welfare programs (Usman & Salisu, 2024). The lack of comprehensive social security mechanisms in Jos South raises concerns about the effectiveness of constitutional law in addressing social welfare issues and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations.
Despite the Nigerian government's efforts to improve social protection policies, challenges such as corruption, lack of funding, weak institutional frameworks, and policy inconsistencies continue to hinder effective implementation (Bello & Adamu, 2024). This study seeks to assess the role of constitutional law in safeguarding the right to social security in Jos South LGA, examining the extent to which legal provisions translate into real-life social welfare benefits for the local population.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Although social security is a key component of social justice and economic rights, Nigeria’s constitutional and legal frameworks remain inadequate in ensuring universal access to social welfare services. The 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not explicitly guarantee the right to social security as a fundamental human right, limiting citizens’ ability to demand government accountability (Yusuf & Bello, 2023). As a result, vulnerable populations in Jos South LGA, including the unemployed, elderly, and persons with disabilities, struggle to access meaningful social protection programs.
The government has introduced several social security initiatives, such as the National Social Safety Nets Program (NSSNP) and conditional cash transfer schemes, but these programs often fail due to poor implementation, lack of transparency, and political interference (Adebayo & Usman, 2024). Many residents of Jos South LGA do not benefit from these initiatives due to bureaucratic inefficiencies, lack of awareness, and exclusion from government databases. This study aims to critically assess the role of constitutional law in guaranteeing social security rights and examine the challenges preventing effective social security implementation in Jos South LGA.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
To examine the constitutional provisions related to social security in Nigeria and their relevance to Jos South LGA.
To assess the implementation of social security programs and their impact on vulnerable populations in Jos South.
To identify the challenges hindering the enforcement of social security rights and suggest possible reforms.
1.4 Research Questions
What constitutional provisions support the right to social security in Nigeria, particularly in Jos South LGA?
How effective are social security programs in providing welfare assistance to vulnerable populations in Jos South?
What are the key challenges affecting the enforcement of social security rights in Jos South LGA?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
The constitutional provisions on social security rights in Nigeria are not effectively implemented in Jos South LGA.
Existing social security programs in Jos South LGA have limited impact on vulnerable populations due to weak enforcement mechanisms.
Legal and institutional challenges hinder the full realization of social security rights in Jos South LGA.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant in understanding the relationship between constitutional law and social security rights in Nigeria, particularly in Jos South LGA. The findings will contribute to ongoing debates on social justice, human rights, and economic inclusion, offering policy recommendations to improve social security frameworks in Nigeria.
The research will be valuable to policymakers, legal practitioners, government agencies, and civil society organizations advocating for stronger social welfare programs. It will also serve as a reference for legal scholars studying constitutional law and social protection policies. Furthermore, by identifying institutional and legal barriers to social security enforcement, the study aims to propose practical solutions for improving access to social welfare services in Jos South LGA and beyond.
This study is also important for raising awareness among local communities about their constitutional rights related to social security. Many residents remain unaware of existing government programs or how to access them. By highlighting these gaps, the research will empower citizens to demand better governance and accountability in social security administration.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, and focuses on the impact of constitutional law on social security rights. The research will assess the legal provisions, policy implementation, and challenges faced in ensuring social security for vulnerable populations in the area.
A limitation of this study is the inconsistent data on social security beneficiaries, as government records may be incomplete or outdated. Additionally, some respondents may be reluctant to discuss their financial or social security status, which may affect data collection. However, the research will employ interviews, surveys, and document analysis to obtain comprehensive and reliable findings.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Constitutional Law: The system of laws and legal principles derived from a nation's constitution that defines the rights, responsibilities, and functions of the government and its citizens.
Social Security: A government program designed to provide financial and social support to individuals and families in times of economic hardship, old age, disability, or unemployment.
Directive Principles of State Policy: Constitutional provisions that outline the government's responsibility to ensure social justice and economic welfare for citizens, though they are not legally enforceable.
National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF): A Nigerian government agency responsible for providing social security coverage, including unemployment benefits and pensions.
Social Safety Nets: Government programs aimed at reducing poverty by providing financial assistance, food aid, healthcare, or other welfare services to low-income individuals and families.