EU Commits €46 Million to Enhance Nigeria’s Social Protection System

The European Union has allocated €46 million to bolster Nigeria’s social protection system through a new program launched in Abuja. This initiative aims to fill gaps in the National Social Protection Register and enhance the responsiveness of social safety nets. Planned to be executed in four states over three years, the program is a collaborative undertaking involving UNICEF and ILO.

The European Union (EU) has pledged €46 million to enhance Nigeria’s social protection structure through a new initiative dubbed “Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria.” This program was officially inaugurated at the United Nations House in Abuja, marking an important advancement in bolstering Nigeria’s social safety nets. The initiative arises from a partnership between the EU and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) aimed at addressing existing gaps within the National Social Protection Register.

Initially, the program will be rolled out in four states—Abia, Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto—over a span of three years. Its objectives include improving the system’s responsiveness to shocks at both federal and state levels, ensuring preparedness for economic and social disturbances that affect vulnerable groups. The initiative is in line with the Nigerian government’s efforts to deliver targeted interventions, focusing on data-driven and efficient social protection measures for disadvantaged communities.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) will lead the program’s implementation, offering technical guidance, policy advice, and program design expertise. They will collaborate with the Federal Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Poverty Alleviation, and Labour and Employment to effectively deliver assistance to those in need. Minister Abubakar Bagudu expressed the Nigerian government’s strong commitment to the initiative, viewing it as a pivotal step in reinforcing the national social protection framework.

The EU’s financial investment underscores its enduring dedication to supporting social welfare initiatives in Nigeria. The EU has historically funded various humanitarian and social programs aimed at alleviating poverty, enhancing healthcare, and strengthening governance. The Sustainable Social Protection System initiative is anticipated to yield various positive outcomes, including an improved National Social Register, increased capacity for policymakers, reinforced legal structures, and a streamlined Social Protection Management Information System.

In summary, the EU’s €46 million investment in Nigeria’s social protection program marks a significant commitment to strengthen social safety nets. The initiative aims to improve response capabilities to economic shocks and ensure targeted assistance is efficiently delivered to vulnerable populations. With support from UNICEF and ILO, this program is poised to enhance Nigeria’s social protection framework, ultimately promoting greater inclusivity and resilience.

Original Source: nairametrics.com