The European Union (EU) and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) have called for a swift and comprehensive review of Nigeria’s Social Development Act (SDA), stressing that an updated legal framework is crucial for safeguarding vulnerable groups and strengthening national social protection systems.
The call was made in Abuja on Wednesday during the National SDA Summit, organised by International IDEA and funded by the European Union under the CSOs-Bridge Strengthening Project. The gathering brought together policymakers, civil society groups, and development partners to examine weaknesses in the current Act and build consensus around reforms needed to promote inclusive growth.
Mr. Idem Udoekong, Project Manager for the EU Strengthening Bridge initiative, said the existing SDA is outdated and fragmented, leaving gaps in service delivery for marginalised communities. He noted that the purpose of the summit was to refocus national attention on modernising the Act to better reflect Nigeria’s current social realities.
According to him, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) play an essential role in bridging service gaps in areas such as health, education, community development, and civic engagement. Updating the SDA, he added, would help strengthen coordination among these groups and expand their impact.
Udoekong further pointed out that the summit coincided with the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, underscoring the importance of embedding stronger gender protections in the revised legislation. He said improving the Act would significantly enhance national responses to gender-based violence and promote gender equality.
Also speaking at the event, Rep. Victor Obuzor (PDP–Rivers), Chairman of the House Committee on Civil Society Organisations, confirmed that the National Assembly had prioritised the review of the SDA. He explained that years of institutional restructuring, overlapping mandates, and multiple regulatory frameworks had weakened the law’s effectiveness.
“Our committee is already examining gaps in the Act, consulting stakeholders, and supporting efforts to develop a modernised civil society bill that will reflect today’s realities,” he said.
In the same vein, Mr. Peter Audu, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, noted that the summit aligns with ongoing government reforms aimed at advancing gender equality, strengthening social protection, and promoting national cohesion. He said the gathering provided an opportunity for stakeholders to assess proposed amendments and mobilise support for sustainable financing and measurable social development outcomes.
Mrs. Valentina Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender and Social Development in Enugu State, emphasised that the SDA no longer reflects the complex and interconnected social challenges faced today. She urged stakeholders to unite in pushing for reforms that will improve public awareness and accelerate legislative action.
The commissioner also appealed to federal lawmakers to increase funding for ministries responsible for women’s affairs, poverty eradication, and social protection programmes, stressing that underfunded agencies cannot deliver impactful results.
Mr. Chris Azor, Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Network, highlighted the difficulties CSOs face at the state level, including inconsistent regulations and weak protection frameworks. He called for a clear legal structure that guarantees civic participation and expands the civic space nationwide.
“We need a standing law that firmly supports social protection and ensures citizens are actively included in governance processes,” he said.
Dr. Fumi Akinyele, CEO of the Accountability and Transparency Initiative, urged lawmakers to embed gender responsiveness in the revised Act from the beginning. She noted that rural women are often excluded from social programmes due to barriers such as limited digital literacy, lack of smartphones, and challenges with bank verification requirements.
“Inclusion must be practical, not just written into policy,” she said. “We need clearer definitions, gender-responsive budgeting, disaggregated data, and balanced committees to ensure no voice is left out.”
The summit concluded with stakeholders reiterating their commitment to pushing for a stronger, more inclusive Social Development Act that meets the needs of all Nigerians, especially vulnerable populations.