By Darasimi K.
In a collaborative effort to fortify Nigeria’s social protection landscape, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have launched the “Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria” (SUSI) project. This transformative initiative, funded by the European Union (EU), aims to enhance Nigeria’s social safety net, ensuring greater support and inclusion for vulnerable populations across the country.
The SUSI project will focus on strengthening policy frameworks, incorporating financial mechanisms into national budgets, and improving the responsiveness of social protection systems to economic shocks at both federal and state levels. The initiative will first be rolled out in Abia, Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto States before potential expansion nationwide.
At the launch event in Abuja, Nigeria on March 13, 2025 – Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria, underscored the importance of social protection in safeguarding children’s rights and fostering economic resilience. “Social protection is a crucial tool in poverty reduction and inclusive development. With the EU’s support and in collaboration with the ILO, we are committed to working alongside the Nigerian government to build a stronger and more effective social protection system,” Munduate stated.
Echoing this commitment, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, reaffirmed the EU’s dedication to fostering social inclusion and economic empowerment. “The EU remains invested in strengthening Nigeria’s social protection framework as part of our broader mission to reduce inequality and ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
Highlighting the project’s legal and policy implications, ILO Country Director Dr. Vanessa Phala emphasized that the initiative would reinforce Nigeria’s institutional capacity for sustainable social protection. “This project will not only expand coverage for vulnerable populations but also strengthen the necessary legal and institutional frameworks to make social protection more robust and enduring,” she remarked.
Key outcomes of the SUSI project include improvements to the National Social Register, enhanced capacity-building for policymakers, stronger legal frameworks, and a more efficient Social Protection Management Information System. These advancements are expected to bolster Nigeria’s ability to respond to economic shocks while promoting long-term economic stability.
Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, reiterated the government’s commitment to the initiative. “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 ensure a more stable economic future,” he stated.
The launch event was attended by key federal and state government officials, civil society organizations, and development partners, marking a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s social protection journey. The initiative is expected to drive significant improvements in the country’s approach to social welfare, reinforcing its commitment to the well-being of its citizens.
