To boost social protection policies in Nigeria, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the European Union (EU) have launched the “Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria” (SUSI) project.
The SUSI project, funded by the EU at €13 million ($14,071, 200) is aimed at delivering key outcomes, including an improved National Social Register, enhanced capacity-building for policymakers, strengthened legal frameworks, and a more efficient Social Protection Management Information System.
It is focused on reinforcing policy frameworks, integrating financial mechanisms into national budgets, and enhancing the shock-responsiveness of social protection systems at both federal and state levels.
According to the sponsors, the initiative is to be implemented in Abia, Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto States.
This effort aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals to establish a comprehensive social protection floor, as outlined in the revised National Social Protection Policy, which aims to reduce poverty and provide dignity for all citizens.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Fall emphasised the significance of the initiative.
Fall emphasized that the initiative is “a powerful testament to the enduring partnership between the European Union and the United Nations.”
Fall also highlighted that social protection is more than just a safety net, saying, “Social protection goes beyond a safety net; it provides a lifeline to dignity, resilience, and opportunity.”
He noted that in a world marked by crises, investing in social protection ensures no one is left behind, particularly in Nigeria where many communities face economic and humanitarian challenges.
He praised the EU for its role in advancing humanitarian and development goals. Fall said, “The European Union remains a trusted partner in advancing humanitarian and development goals in Nigeria.”
He commended Nigeria’s government for prioritising social protection and thanked the EU for their support, which accelerates progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Fall concluded by urging continued collaboration to make social protection a reality for all, stating, “Let us sustain this momentum — uniting governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to make social protection a reality for all.
With collaboration, commitment, and compassion, we can create a future where social safety nets empower lives and strengthen the very fabric of our society.”
UNICEF’s representative, Cristian Munduate emphasised the importance of social protection in Nigeria’s development agenda. “Social protection is essential for our development agenda, providing significant social and economic benefits. It aids recovery from financial crises, promotes growth, and alleviates poverty,” she noted.
She commended Nigeria’s government for its efforts in establishing a social protection system, including initiatives like health insurance and Conditional Cash Transfers.
These are crucial in lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, including over 45 million children. However, Munduate highlighted that gaps in coverage persist, particularly for vulnerable populations, who currently experience only 14.8% coverage.
She said the joint programme, developed by UNICEF and ILO with EU support, aims to expand social protection coverage over the next 36 months. It will focus on financing mechanisms, social registries, and management information systems in the four states.
The representative reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in building a credible social protection system, emphasizing the need for a clear institutional framework and effective partnerships.
Head of European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot at the launch of €13 million project to support Nigeria’s social protection system, said the aim is to expand and digitize the National Social Register.
Mignot emphasised, “Social protection is crucial for addressing poverty, empowering people, and fostering social inclusion.”
He highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development goals, stating, “Rest assured that the EU will continue to partner with Nigeria to support it in its path towards sustainable progress and prosperity.”
Highlighting the importance of policy and legal frameworks in sustaining social protection efforts, the ILO Country Director, Vanessa Phala, remarked, “This project will not only expand coverage for vulnerable populations but also strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks necessary for a sustainable social protection system in Nigeria.”
Pledging the government’s commitment to the initiative, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, stated, “This partnership represents a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection system.
By working together, we can create sustainable mechanisms that uplift vulnerable Nigerians and promote long-term economic stability.”
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, praised the initiative, stating, “This programme is timely and commendable as it aligns with our Ministry’s goals of promoting social inclusion, reducing poverty, and improving the overall well-being of our citizens.”
He emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, “I am particularly excited about the prospect of collaborating with the European Union to strengthen our social protection systems, promote evidence-based policy-making, and support innovative solutions to address social challenges.”
The EU’s commitment involves supporting social protection initiatives in several states, including Adamawa, Borno, Abia, Sokoto, Oyo, Benue, and Kebbi. The programme also involves collaborations with UNICEF, GIZ, and the ILO to bolster the National Social Register and implement Social Safety Net Initiatives.
The event had in attendance, top federal and state government officials, civil society organisations, and development partners, marking a new phase in Nigeria’s social protection landscape and reinforcing the country’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens.
