NATIONAL SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMAND SUSTAINABLE POVERTY REDUCTION IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

This project discusses the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) and its roleonsustainable poverty reduction in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The study examinesthe impact of NSIP on youth enterprise, focusing on beneficiaries of the N-Powerand Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs. NSIP was established in 2016toaddress social and economic inequalities, aiming to empower the most vulnerableNigerians, provide education and health services, promote social inclusion, andreduce poverty in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Thisstudy draws on various theories, including Social Investment theory, HumanCapital Theory, Capability Approach, Social Exclusion Theory, and Institutional Theory, toexplain sustainable poverty reduction. Qualitative and quantitative researchtechniques were employed, with 415 valid structured questionnaires analyzedusingIBM SPSS 2016. The research findings revealed that NSIP has achievedconsiderable success in sustainable poverty reduction in Benin City despite facingchallenges. Beneficiaries provided valuable recommendations and adjustmentstoensure the program’s long-term sustainability. They emphasize the needforsustained program continuity and expansion, alongside increased payment amountsand transparent financial processes to promote sustainable poverty reduction.