The European Union (EU) has pledged €46 million to enhance Nigeria’s social protection system through a new initiative titled “Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria.” The programme, which was officially launched at the United Nations House in Abuja, represents a significant step forward in efforts to bolster Nigeria’s social safety nets.
A statement issued on Friday by Osagie Jacobs J.I., Director of Information & Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, outlined the details of the collaboration between the EU and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP). The primary goal of the programme is to address existing gaps in the National Social Protection Register, ensuring it becomes a reliable tool for resource allocation and policy execution.
Initially, the programme will be rolled out across four states—Abia, Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto—over a span of three years. Its main objective is to enhance the shock responsiveness of the social protection system at both federal and state levels, making it better equipped to handle economic and social crises that affect vulnerable populations.
This initiative supports the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to provide targeted interventions to the most disadvantaged communities, ensuring that social protection programmes are not only data-driven but also efficient.
The programme’s implementation will be led by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), both of which will provide technical assistance, policy advice, and expertise in programme design. Additionally, the agencies will collaborate closely with Nigeria’s Federal Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as Labour and Employment, to ensure effective delivery of assistance.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to the programme, recognising it as a crucial milestone in strengthening the country’s social protection system. This contribution from the EU further demonstrates its long-term commitment to supporting social welfare initiatives in Nigeria, where it has funded several humanitarian and social protection programmes aimed at reducing poverty, improving healthcare, and enhancing governance structures.
The programme is expected to deliver key outcomes, including an improved National Social Register, enhanced capacity-building for policymakers, stronger legal frameworks, and a more efficient Social Protection Management Information System. Ultimately, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive and resilient social assistance framework, ensuring that vulnerable groups receive the support they need during times of economic downturns and crises.
