ISSN: 1595-5842 | E-ISSN: 3043-5463 | Google Indexed | DOI Registered with Crossref | Peer-Reviewed Open Access Journal
Alvan Journal of Social Sciences International Peer-Reviewed Open Access Journal
Quarterly publication | Double-blind review | Open access

Alvan Journal of Social Sciences (AJSS)

ISSN: 1595-5842 | E-ISSN: 3043-5463 | DOI Registered with Crossref | Google Indexed

A scholarly platform for interdisciplinary research in governance, procurement, sustainability, education, development studies, environmental management, logistics, and the wider social sciences.

Submit Manuscript Explore Current Issue
64+ Published articles
Quarterly Publication frequency
Indexed Google scholarly visibility
DOI Registered with Crossref

Editorial Integrity

Manuscripts pass through editorial screening, similarity checks, and peer-review evaluation before publication. This keeps the journal focused on originality, clarity, citation quality, and academic contribution.

Selected Articles

Volume 3, Issue 1 (2026)

View full publication archive
Research Article

Transparency and Accountability in Public Procurement

N. O. Chibundu, B. U. Dike, U. Chris-Ejiogu

Pages 14-23 Read Article
Research Article

Urban Mass Transit and Socio-Economic Development in Abuja

Mohammed G. Yusuf et al.

Pages 35-49 Read Article
Research Article

Library-Led Open Access Publishing and Scholarly Communication

Essor Gospel Chisa, Mercy Douglas

Pages 186-193 Read Article

Editorial Leadership

AJSS is guided by scholars and researchers committed to rigorous peer review, ethical publication practice, and credible social science communication.

View Editorial Board

Prof. Ngozi Casmir Ebomuche

Editor-in-Chief

Dr. Ambrose O. Abaneme

Editor
AJSS

Editorial Board

Guide

Publication Ethics

AJSS maintains strict publication ethics, double-blind peer review, originality checks, conflict-of-interest disclosure, and responsible scholarly publishing standards.

Author Guide

Authors should prepare manuscripts according to AJSS formatting, citation, originality, abstract, keywords, and submission requirements.

Alvan Journal of Social Sciences (AJSS) Alvan Journal of Social Sciences (AJSS) | Peer-Reviewed Open Access Journal

Your research, amplified

Unlock insights in social sciences
AJSS Article 023

← Volume 3, Issue 2 Contents

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICY ON POVERTY

Journal
Alvan Journal of Social Sciences
Volume/Issue
3(2), 2026
Pages
1-17
DOI
10.67638/ajss-2026-v3-i2-023
Keywords
Social protection, poverty reduction, income inequality, sustainable development.
Corresponding author
Charity Enifome Chiadika,
Email
charityenifome@gmail.com
Download PDF Open DOI

Abstract

The persistence of multidimensional poverty and widening income inequality in Nigeria continues to undermine prospects for inclusive and sustainable development. In response, successive governments have implemented diverse social protection interventions aimed at mitigating vulnerability, enhancing income security, and promoting equitable redistribution. This study critically assesses the impact of selected social protection policies, including conditional cash transfers, public works programmes, and social health insurance schemes, on poverty reduction and income inequality in Nigeria. The research is anchored on the Social Risk Management Framework and the Welfare State Theory, which collectively illuminate the redistributive and protective functions of state-led interventions. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates secondary data obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics, the National Social Investment Programme, and the World Bank with primary survey data collected across selected states. Econometric techniques, including difference-in- differences estimation and inequality decomposition analysis, are utilized to ascertain the causal effects of social protection initiatives on the poverty headcount ratio and the Gini coefficient. Findings indicate that while social protection policies have contributed to short-term consumption smoothing and modest reductions in extreme poverty, their impact on structural income inequality remains limited due to targeting inefficiencies, fiscal constraints, and governance challenges. The study concludes that strengthening institutional capacity, improving beneficiary targeting mechanisms, and ensuring sustainable financing are imperative for enhancing the redistributive efficacy of social protection in Nigeria.

Citation

(2026). ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICY ON POVERTY. Alvan Journal of Social Sciences, 3(2), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.67638/ajss-2026-v3-i2-023

Charity Enifome Chiadika
Subscribe to our newsletter
Let's keep in touch!

Stay updated on our news and events! Sign up to receive our newsletter.

Google Scholar Profile View Author Profile on Google Scholar