Background of the Study
Social safety nets are non-contributory transfer programs designed to provide a buffer against economic shocks and support vulnerable populations. In Nigeria, where large segments of the population are affected by poverty and income volatility, social safety nets have become increasingly important, particularly between 2023 and 2025 (Adebisi, 2023). These programs include conditional cash transfers, food subsidies, and targeted support for the unemployed, all aimed at stabilizing household incomes and fostering economic resilience. The theoretical foundation of social safety nets lies in their ability to reduce poverty, stimulate consumption, and promote social stability during economic downturns. Empirical studies indicate that effective safety nets not only improve individual livelihoods but also contribute to macroeconomic stability by sustaining aggregate demand during periods of economic stress (Oluwaseun, 2024).
Over recent years, the Nigerian government has made concerted efforts to expand and reform social safety net programs to better address the needs of the most vulnerable populations. These reforms have sought to enhance targeting mechanisms, reduce administrative inefficiencies, and integrate digital technologies to ensure timely and accurate delivery of benefits. Despite these efforts, challenges remain in ensuring that social safety nets are both comprehensive and sustainable. Issues such as funding constraints, mismanagement, and political interference continue to limit the effectiveness of these programs (Okafor, 2023). This study aims to evaluate the impact of social safety nets on enhancing economic resilience in Nigeria by examining how these programs influence poverty levels, consumption patterns, and overall economic stability. Through a detailed analysis of program design, implementation, and outcomes, the research seeks to provide insights into the role of social safety nets as a tool for economic stabilization in a rapidly changing economic environment (Chinwe, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Although social safety nets are designed to protect vulnerable populations and bolster economic resilience, their effectiveness in Nigeria remains mixed. The primary problem is that while significant resources are allocated to these programs, issues such as poor targeting, leakages, and administrative inefficiencies often result in benefits not reaching the intended beneficiaries (Ibrahim, 2024). Furthermore, the sustainability of these programs is challenged by funding constraints and competing fiscal priorities, which may undermine their long-term impact on poverty alleviation and economic stability. The persistent gaps between policy design and actual outcomes raise concerns about the overall capacity of social safety nets to act as effective economic stabilizers during crises. This study seeks to examine the factors contributing to the underperformance of social safety net programs in Nigeria and to determine whether these measures truly enhance economic resilience at both household and macroeconomic levels (Nwankwo, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on social safety net programs implemented between 2023 and 2025 in Nigeria. It draws on data from government reports, field surveys, and independent evaluations. Limitations include potential data inconsistencies, the challenge of isolating the effects of safety nets from other social policies, and external economic influences.
Definitions of Terms
– Social Safety Nets: Programs designed to provide financial support to vulnerable populations in times of economic hardship.
– Economic Resilience: The ability of an economy to withstand or recover quickly from shocks.
– Poverty Reduction: Efforts aimed at decreasing the percentage of the population living below the poverty line.
– Targeting Mechanisms: Methods used to identify and deliver benefits to the intended recipients.
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