Social protection programs are essential for alleviating poverty and shielding vulnerable households from economic disruptions. In Nigeria, regressive taxation and persistent crises hinder these interventions, potentially worsening poverty and income inequality. This study investigates whether taxes and crises impose a disproportionate burden on the impoverished, who allocate a greater portion of their income to necessities. Data were collected from 150 beneficiaries using a correlational survey design that included structured questionnaires and interviews, selected through proportionate stratified sampling from a population of 900 across three Nigerian states. The Pearson correlation coefficient was employed for analysis. Research demonstrates that regressive taxation and crisis situations substantially reduce the efficacy of social protection initiatives for targeted populations. Policy recommendations encompass progressive tax reforms and enhanced social protection systems.