The Politics of Poverty Palliatives in Nigeria: Historical Evidence of Policy Paradoxes and Governance Challenges

This paper discusses the politics of palliative poverty policy in Nigeria, the paradox between the intention of the policy and the result. Although different governments have come up with several palliative measures, such as conditional cash transfer or distribution of food, the rate of poverty has only increased. Based on qualitative data (interviews and focus group discussions), to which secondary quantitative data is added, the research shows that these programmes are frequently marked by elite capture, corruption, and partisan allocation. Results indicate that palliatives are more of political tools of control and legitimacy and not effective poverty alleviation tools. The research shows that the growing budgetary allocations towards palliatives in the years 2015 to 2023 were associated with the deteriorating poverty metrics, which clearly show the ineffectiveness of relief programs in the short term to counter structural socio-economic issues. Through the theoretical perspective of neopatrimonialism and policy paradox, the article claims that Nigeria continues to depend on poverty palliatives as this keeps people dependent and undermines trust in the government instead of making citizens more empowered. The article concludes that the real reduction of poverty must focus on policy change, which is not symbolic and reactive palliative measures, but structural changes, which will tackle unemployment, inequality, and the lack of social services. Policy suggestions include transparency, depoliticisation and incorporation of palliatives into overall social protection frameworks that are in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).