How Nigeria can build effective social security system, by Rhodes-Vivour
Rotimi Victor Rhodes-Vivour, a public leadership credential candidate at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, has outlined steps Nigeria must take to build a robust and inclusive social security system.
Rotimi Victor Rhodes-Vivour, a public leadership credential candidate at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, has outlined steps Nigeria must take to build a robust and inclusive social security system.
In a statement made available to the media, Rhodes-Vivour said Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, continues to face significant challenges in safeguarding the welfare of its citizens, particularly in social protection.
He stressed that a functional social security system is critical to protecting vulnerable groups and promoting economic stability.
According to him, the starting point is for the government to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the country’s demographic structure, economic realities, and inequality levels, noting that such an exercise would help identify critical gaps requiring urgent attention.
He also called for a clear legal framework to guide the operation of a social security system, covering eligibility, benefits, funding, and regulation.
He added that an independent body should be established to manage the system with transparency and accountability.
Rhodes-Vivour underscored the importance of universal health coverage, describing access to quality healthcare as a central pillar of any social security framework.
He urged the government to ensure that all Nigerians can access medical services without financial hardship through a mix of public and private sector support.
On employment, he advocated introducing unemployment benefits to cushion the effect of job losses and provide temporary relief for affected individuals.
He further called for reforms in the pension system to guarantee a stable income for retirees, stressing the need to widen participation, improve investment strategies, and eliminate inefficiencies.
Highlighting the plight of vulnerable groups, he urged targeted interventions for the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities, including cash transfers, food support, and disability benefits.
Rhodes-Vivour also identified financial inclusion as key to the success of any social security system, noting that access to banking and insurance services would enable citizens to prepare for emergencies, healthcare needs, and retirement.
He advised collaborating with financial institutions to expand access.
He emphasised the need for sustained public education and awareness to ensure citizens understand their rights and how to benefit from social protection programmes.
On funding, he recommended sustainable models such as payroll taxes, employer-employee contributions, and public-private partnerships.
He added that continuous evaluation and policy adjustments are necessary to ensure the system remains responsive to changing socio-economic realities.
“With the right planning and implementation, Nigeria can build a social security system that protects its people and supports national development,” he said.
