IMPACT OF SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES ON ALLEVIATING POVERTY AMONG LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY

Abstract

Poverty remains a significant challenge in many urban areas, particularly within the ederal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria, where low-income households continue to face socio-economic hardships such as unemployment, poor access to education and healthcare, and inadequate housing. This study examined the impact of social investment programmes on alleviating poverty among low-Income households in the Federal Capital Territory. A survey methodology was employed, using a sample size of 341 respondents from various low-income households across FCT's council areas. The study is grounded in Public Choice Theory, which focuses on the decision-making processes of individuals and government institutions in addressing public welfare
needs. One major finding of the study was that social investment programmes, such as conditional cash transfers and skill acquisition initiatives, have significantly improved the livelihood of beneficiaries, although challenges related to implementation, accessibility, and timely disbursement of funds remain. A key recommendation is that the FCT administration should improve the efficiency of these programmes by ensuring timely financial support and better targeting of beneficiaries.