The EU has committed €46 million to enhancing Nigeria’s social protection through the “Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria” program. Launched in Abuja, this initiative aims to improve the National Social Protection Register and enhance responsiveness to socio-economic shocks. Implemented in four states, it involves collaboration with UNICEF and ILO and demonstrates the EU’s ongoing commitment to Nigeria’s social welfare.
The European Union (EU) has allocated €46 million to enhance Nigeria’s social protection framework through the newly launched program, “Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria.” The program was inaugurated at the United Nations House in Abuja, marking a pivotal step toward bolstering Nigeria’s social safety nets. This initiative results from a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the EU, aiming to improve the National Social Protection Register’s efficiency for resource allocation and policy guidance.
Initially, the program will operate in four states: Abia, Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto, over three years. Its goal is to increase the social protection system’s responsiveness to shocks at both federal and state levels, improving readiness for social and economic crises affecting vulnerable populations. This initiative coincides with the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to provide tailored interventions for disadvantaged communities, ensuring that social protection programs are informed by data.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) will lead the program’s implementation. These organizations will offer technical assistance, policy guidance, and program design expertise, working alongside the Federal Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Poverty Alleviation, and Labour and Employment, to ensure that aid reaches those most in need.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, emphasized the Nigerian government’s commitment to this partnership, viewing it as a substantial step toward strengthening the social protection system. The EU’s investment reflects its long-standing dedication to supporting Nigeria’s social welfare, having previously funded initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation, healthcare enhancement, and governance improvement.
The Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria program is set to foster a more inclusive and resilient social assistance framework. Expected outcomes include an upgraded National Social Register, capacity-building for policymakers, improved legal structures, and a more effective Social Protection Management Information System.
The EU’s €46 million contribution to Nigeria’s social protection system signifies a significant advancement in addressing socio-economic challenges faced by vulnerable populations. This program, implemented in collaboration with UNICEF and ILO, focuses on enhancing the National Social Protection Register and the overall effectiveness of social safety nets. With a multi-faceted approach, the initiative is expected to create a robust framework that supports marginalized communities, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.
Original Source: nairametrics.com
