By Joan Nwagwu
The European Union (EU) has expressed support for a joint project by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to strengthen and expand social protection coverage in Nigeria.
The initiative, known as the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI) project, seeks to enhance access to social protection for vulnerable groups and those affected by economic shocks.
Dr Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director for Nigeria, stated this at the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop for policymakers on Thursday in Abuja.
“As an international labour organisation, we are honoured and pleased to partner with our sister agency, UNICEF, and with the support of the European Union, to implement this laudable project that promotes sustainable social protection systems in Nigeria,” she said.
Phala said the project aligns with Nigeria’s national development priorities, the ILO Decent Work Country Programme, and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
“The training will equip policymakers with the technical knowledge to design, implement and monitor effective social protection interventions that can deliver real impact for vulnerable citizens,” she added.
In her remarks, Ms Zarema Yerzhanova, UNICEF Social Policy Manager, said the collaboration demonstrated the commitment of development partners to ensuring inclusive social protection systems that leave no one behind.
“It is a great honour to be part of this important initiative. The EU’s support reinforces our shared goal of expanding social protection that builds resilience and human capital,” she said.
Yerzhanova said millions of Nigerians, especially children, continued to face poverty, deprivation and exposure to shocks, stressing that “social protection remains one of the smartest investments in people and in national stability.”
Also speaking, Mrs Franca Adukweh, Director, Social Protection Security and Cooperation Development at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, commended the EU, ILO and UNICEF for their efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection architecture.
“This workshop is not just another event; it is a vital step towards building the technical capacity and shared understanding needed to make social protection a living reality for all Nigerians,” she said.
Adukweh urged participants to use the knowledge gained to design policies that promote inclusion, reduce poverty, and improve the wellbeing of citizens.
