In a significant boost to Nigeria’s social welfare framework, the European Union (EU) has committed €46 million to support the country’s social protection initiatives.
The newly launched program, titled “Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria” (SUSI), was officially unveiled at the United Nations House in Abuja. This initiative represents a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s social safety nets and ensuring targeted support for vulnerable communities.
The SUSI program is a collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) and the European Union.
According to Osagie Jacobs J.I, Director of Information & Public Relations at the FMBEP, the primary goal of this initiative is to address existing gaps in the National Social Protection Register.
By refining this register, the government aims to improve the efficiency of resource allocation and policy implementation, making social welfare programs more effective and data-driven.
The program will initially be rolled out in four Nigerian states: Abia, Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto, over a three-year period.
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The objective is to enhance the responsiveness of Nigeria’s social protection system at both the federal and state levels, ensuring the country is better equipped to handle economic and social crises. This proactive approach is designed to create a resilient and inclusive social welfare framework, providing a safety net for disadvantaged communities.
The execution of the program will be led by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO). These agencies will provide technical support, policy advisory services, and program design expertise.
Additionally, they will collaborate with the Federal Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as Labour and Employment, to ensure seamless implementation and delivery of assistance to those in need.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to this initiative, describing the EU partnership as a landmark step in strengthening the nation’s social protection system.
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He emphasized that this program aligns with ongoing governmental efforts to provide targeted interventions for the most vulnerable groups, ensuring that social protection strategies remain data-driven and efficient.
The EU has been a longstanding partner in humanitarian and social protection efforts across Nigeria. Over the years, it has invested in initiatives aimed at poverty reduction, healthcare improvement, and governance strengthening. The SUSI project further underscores the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s long-term development goals.
The Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria program is expected to enhance the National Social Register, ensuring more precise targeting of social welfare beneficiaries. It will also improve capacity-building for policymakers, equipping them to create a more effective and responsive social protection system.
Strengthening legal frameworks is another key aspect of the initiative, reinforcing sustainable social protection policies. Furthermore, a more efficient Social Protection Management Information System will be developed to streamline program implementation and oversight.
With the launch of the SUSI program, Nigeria is set to make significant strides in its social welfare landscape. The collaboration between the Nigerian government, the EU, UNICEF, and the ILO reflects a coordinated effort to build a more resilient, inclusive, and effective social protection system.
As implementation begins across the selected states, the initiative is poised to provide critical support for millions of vulnerable Nigerians, ensuring they receive the assistance they need during economic downturns and crises.
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