The European Union–International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (EU–IDEA) and key national stakeholders have called for an immediate review of Nigeria’s Social Development Act (SDA), warning that the country cannot achieve inclusive growth or adequately protect vulnerable groups under the current outdated and fragmented framework.
The call was made on Wednesday at the National SDA Summit in Abuja, organised by IDEA under the EU-funded CSOs-Bridge Strengthening Project.
Originally conceptualised in the 1970s and enacted in 2004, the Social Development Act was designed to serve as a unified national framework for coordinated and inclusive social development. However, speakers at the summit said the Act no longer reflects Nigeria’s social realities.
Delivering the keynote address, the Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender and Social Development, Valentina Enih, described the Act—first issued as Decree 12 in 1974 and re-enacted in 2004—as “older than many people in this hall,” stressing that it has failed to keep pace with emerging social challenges.
She lamented that personal interests often hinder unity among civil society organisations (CSOs), urging them to “speak with one voice” to achieve meaningful reform. Enih also appealed to lawmakers to increase funding for ministries handling women affairs, poverty eradication and social protection, noting that officials frequently use personal funds to keep programmes running.
Chairman of the House Committee on Civil Society Organisations and Development Partners, Hon. Victor Obuzor, acknowledged the legislative deficiencies undermining effective coordination of social development nationwide. He said the National Assembly had prioritised reviewing the SDA, citing fragmentation, weak regulatory frameworks and institutional reassignments as major obstacles.
“Our Committee is reviewing historical gaps, engaging stakeholders and supporting the development of a modernised civil society regulatory bill,” he said, adding that the revised law would clarify institutional roles, harmonise federal and state mandates and strengthen civil society participation.
Also speaking, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Peter Audu, said the summit aligns with federal efforts to promote gender equality, expand social protection and enhance national cohesion. He described the gathering as an opportunity to build a national coalition committed to sustainable financing and measurable outcomes.
CEO of the Accountability and Transparency Initiative, Dr. Fumi Akinyele, stressed that the revised legislation must embed gender responsiveness from inception. She noted that many rural women are excluded from social protection programmes due to barriers such as digital illiteracy, lack of smartphones and difficulties obtaining bank verification numbers.
“Inclusion must go beyond words,” she said. “We need gender-responsive budgeting, clear definitions and disaggregated data to ensure no one is left behind.”
Adding a subnational perspective, Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Network, Prince Chris Azor, highlighted challenges faced by grassroots CSOs, including inconsistent regulations that once led to the closure of community organisations’ bank accounts.
“When grassroots operators cannot function, you are shrinking the civic space,” he said, urging that the amended Act provide states with a clear legal framework for social protection and civil society engagement.
Azor emphasised the need for a modernised, enforceable law that expands civic participation and ensures citizens play an active role in governance.
Stakeholders at the summit unanimously agreed that reforming the SDA is crucial to establishing a coherent, inclusive and sustainable national social development framework.
