The European Union (EU) has committed a whooping sum of €46 million to support Nigeria’s social protection system under the newly launched “Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria” programme.

The initiative was developed in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) and it aims to address existing gaps in the National Social Protection Register and improve the system’s capacity to respond to economic shocks.

The official launch of the programme took place at the United Nations House in Abuja, where key government officials, representatives from development agencies, and international partners gathered to discuss its implementation strategy.

According to the Director Information & PR, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Osagie Jacobs J.I; “UNICEF in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO), have been committed to supporting social protection in Nigeria through policy advisory services, program design and delivery of assistance to those in need, will be implementing the program in the country through the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and Labor and Employment.”

Their roles include: providing policy advisory services to enhance the effectiveness of social protection policies; assisting in the design and implementation of support programmes and ensuring that financial aid and resources reach intended beneficiaries through efficient distribution systems.

The three-year initiative will first be rolled out in Abia, Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto states, serving as a pilot phase before potential nationwide expansion. The goal is to enhance shock responsiveness at both federal and state levels, ensuring that social protection mechanisms can effectively mitigate the impact of economic downturns, disasters, and other crises on vulnerable populations.

The programme is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection framework by refining data collection and management systems. The National Social Protection Register, which serves as a critical planning tool for government interventions, will undergo improvements to ensure better targeting of beneficiaries and efficient delivery of social support services.

The EU’s financial commitment comes at a crucial time when Nigeria’s social protection system faces increasing pressure due to economic challenges, rising inflation, and the lingering effects of past humanitarian crises.

By reinforcing data-driven planning, the initiative seeks to improve the effectiveness of government-led social interventions, ultimately reducing poverty and promoting economic stability.