Abia State Partners EU, UNICEF, ILO to Strengthen Social Protection for Vulnerable Families

By Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Government of Abia State has officially launched the European Union (EU)-funded initiative, Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI), in partnership with UNICEF, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and other key stakeholders.

In a statement released by UNICEF Communication Specialist, Samuel Kalu, and made available to journalists in Makurdi, it was noted that despite its importance, social protection coverage in Nigeria remains limited.

According to the International Labour Organization’s 2024 World Social Protection Report, only 14.8 per cent of Nigerians currently enjoy access to effective social protection.

To help bridge this gap, the SUSI project—which is also being implemented in Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto States—aims to strengthen inclusive, shock-responsive, and sustainable social protection systems.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Eight-Point Agenda, targeting poverty reduction, protection of vulnerable groups, and the promotion of resilient livelihoods.

Speaking at the launch, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the project:

> “I am glad that the EU, ILO, and UNICEF will be partnering with the State Government for the successful delivery of the SUSI Project. We are encouraged to think of our children and the world we want to bequeath to them. Every decision counts; we are only custodians who must one day look back either in regret or in fulfilment.”

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, emphasized the EU’s commitment, stating:

> “Social protection is central to building equitable societies. This partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly in states like Abia, by strengthening systems that provide support when it is needed most.”

UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, underscored the transformative impact of such programmes:

> “Social protection is not just a safety net—it is a springboard for inclusive development. Through this project, we aim to ensure that every child and family, particularly the most vulnerable, is protected from shocks that could undermine their well-being and future opportunities.”

Similarly, the ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Liaison Office for ECOWAS, Vanessa Phala, highlighted the project’s long-term benefits:

> “A well-designed and inclusive social protection system is fundamental to decent work, economic stability, and social cohesion. With this project, we are working together to make social protection a reality for more Nigerians.”

The SUSI project will support the development of a social protection policy, expand the national social register, build capacity, strengthen and integrate database systems, and ensure proper budgeting for social protection programmes at both federal and state levels.