人权观察-饥饿与病毒之间：新冠病毒大流行对尼日利亚拉各斯贫困人口的影响（英）-2021.7-138页_21mb

Summary of "Between Hunger and the Virus"

Core Content

This report, produced by Human Rights Watch and Justice & Empowerment Initiatives (JEI), examines the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on people living in poverty in Lagos, Nigeria, highlighting the lack of a robust social security system and the inadequate government response to the crisis. It focuses on the economic and social consequences of the pandemic, particularly rising hunger, loss of livelihoods, and limited access to basic services among the urban poor.

Main Points

1. Impact of the Pandemic on Livelihoods and Hunger

• Lockdown and Economic Downturn: A five-week lockdown in Lagos in early 2020 led to a sharp decline in economic activity, leaving many households unable to afford food and basic necessities.
• Loss of Income: Informal workers, such as those in the casual labor sector, were particularly affected as they lacked job security and social protection.
• Rising Food Prices: The cost of essential goods like rice and water increased significantly, exacerbating the food insecurity of already vulnerable populations.
• Hunger Statistics: Surveys show that hunger levels doubled in Lagos compared to pre-pandemic times. In November 2020, 48% of households had run out of food in the previous 30 days, and 18% had at least one member going without food for a whole day.

2. Government Response

• Federal and State Measures: The federal government launched the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) in June 2020, allocating 2.3 trillion Naira to support the economy. By May 2021, 500 billion Naira had been disbursed.
• Cash Transfer and Food Assistance: The ESP included cash transfers and food assistance, but these measures were inadequate and disproportionately distributed.
• Lagos' Limited Participation: Lagos, despite its economic significance, received a small share of federal cash transfers due to its delayed subscription and relative wealth.
• Inequities in Distribution: There were allegations of political interference in the distribution of aid, with no objective criteria for identifying beneficiaries.

3. Weaknesses in Nigeria's Social Security System

• Lack of Legal Entitlements: The Nigerian constitution does not guarantee the right to social security, and existing laws do not provide unemployment or child benefits.
• Low Coverage and Enrollment: Only 40% of workers are enrolled in the pension scheme, and only 4% of the poorest households had access to social safety nets before the pandemic.
• Insufficient Payments: The monthly cash transfer of 5,000 Naira is below the national poverty line of 11,450 Naira and not enough to ensure an adequate standard of living in Lagos.

4. Need for a Social Security System

• Opportunity for Reform: The pandemic exposed the gaps in Nigeria's social security system, creating an opportunity for reform.
• Legislative Action: The federal government should draft and support legislation that recognizes the right to social security and establishes entitlements for vulnerable groups.
• Comprehensive Strategy: A national and state-level strategy should be developed to build a comprehensive social security system, combining contributory and non-contributory measures.
• Expansion of Assistance Programs: Social assistance programs, such as cash transfers and food aid, should be expanded and better targeted to meet the needs of the urban poor.

Key Recommendations

To President Buhari and the Federal Government of Nigeria

• Draft and support legislation that recognizes the right to social security.
• Ensure the minimum core elements of the right are protected and universal coverage is pursued over time.
• Create entitlements for unemployed workers and child benefits.
• Develop a national strategy that integrates existing social protection policies and builds new initiatives.
• Combine contributory schemes (e.g., unemployment insurance) with non-contributory measures (e.g., cash transfers).
• Expand the National Social Register to ensure better coverage and targeting of social assistance.
• Adjust cash transfer amounts to reflect Lagos' cost of living.
• Define rights-based eligibility criteria for social assistance, including access to food, water, and shelter.
• Make eligibility criteria public and disseminate information to urban poor communities.
• Remove barriers to enrollment, such as bank account requirements and proof of residency.
• Increase budget allocations for social protection.
• Mobilize revenue through progressive taxation and reducing illicit financial flows.
• Ensure accountability and transparency in the use of social security funds.

To the Lagos State Government

• Expand federally-backed cash transfer programs and mobilize state resources for social assistance.
• Implement income support and unemployment insurance for informal workers.
• Invest in public infrastructure in informal settlements, including water, sanitation, and electricity.
• Coordinate with community-based organizations to identify and support vulnerable households.
• Ensure equitable distribution of aid and reduce political interference.

To International Financial Institutions

• Provide financial and technical support to help Nigeria build a functional social security system.
• Encourage domestic and international spending on social protection with accountability mechanisms.
• Support progressive taxation and revenue mobilization efforts that do not harm the poor.

Conclusion

The report emphasizes that without a functioning social security system, the urban poor in Lagos are left vulnerable to the economic and social shocks of the pandemic. It calls for immediate and long-term action by the federal and state governments, as well as international support, to ensure the right to social security and adequate standard of living for all Nigerians, particularly those in informal settlements.