Policy Implementation Gaps in the National Social Investment Programme: A Case Study of Osun State, South West Nigeria

This study investigates implementation gaps in Nigeria's National Social Investment Programme with particular focus on the Conditional Cash Transfer and N-Power components as delivered in Osun State, South West Nigeria. Social investment programmes launched under the 2016 Economic Recovery and Growth Plan were designed to reduce poverty, improve human capital, and absorb unemployed youth into productive activities. However, widespread reports of exclusion errors, delayed payments, and beneficiary irregularities have raised concerns about programme integrity. The study is grounded in policy implementation theory and draws on literature from 2019 to 2024 on social protection systems in sub-Saharan Africa. A descriptive survey design is employed, and 230 respondents comprising beneficiaries, programme facilitators, local government officials, and civil society monitors are selected through purposive sampling across four local government areas in Osun State. Data are analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Expected findings include identifying administrative bottlenecks, weak verification systems, and partisan interference as key implementation gaps. The research also explores the role of digital payment platforms and community verification mechanisms in improving targeting accuracy. Recommendations will address systemic reforms in beneficiary registration, payment verification, and performance monitoring to enhance the programme's impact on poverty reduction. Keywords: social investment, policy implementation, poverty reduction, Osun State, conditional cash transfer