The European Union (EU) has committed €46 million to support Nigeria’s Sustainable Social Protection System, aimed at strengthening the country’s social safety nets.
The funding was announced on Friday during the programme’s launch at the United Nations (UN) House in Abuja. It was developed in collaboration with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Initially, the programme will be implemented over three years in Abia, Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto states. Its goal is to enhance the national social protection register and improve the system’s ability to respond to economic shocks.
The initiative will be carried out by UNICEF and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in partnership with Nigeria’s Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and Labour and Employment.
Both organisations have played key roles in supporting social protection efforts in Nigeria, offering policy guidance and direct assistance to vulnerable populations.
With this intervention, the EU aims to strengthen Nigeria’s welfare infrastructure, ensuring that social protection reaches those most in need efficiently and effectively.