From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
As a major step towards building more resilient and inclusive social protection systems in Nigeria, the European Union (EU), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), has launched the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria (SUSI) project in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The €13 million EU-funded project will be implemented by UNICEF and the ILO in four states, including Benue, Abia, Oyo, and Sokoto, and at the federal level.
The Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, said the project aims to strengthen social protection systems to better respond to shocks, reduce poverty, and protect vulnerable populations, including children, women, persons with disabilities, and those affected by conflict and displacement.
The launch comes just days after a deadly attack in Yelwata, Benue State, which left dozens dead and displaced more than 3,000 people, including over 500 children. The tragedy highlights the importance of responsive and inclusive safety nets that reach affected populations swiftly and effectively.
Mignot said, “The recent violence in Benue is a painful reminder of how vulnerable communities are to shocks. The EU is helping to build stronger, more inclusive social protection systems through this partnership so that no one is left behind in a crisis.”
Also speaking, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, added, “When families are forced to flee violence, lose their livelihoods, or face poverty, social protection becomes a life-saving measure. SUSI will help create systems that can respond quickly and reach those most in need, especially children, before their lives are permanently derailed.”
Vanessa Phala, Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, stated, “Social protection is a right and a foundation for social justice. This project will strengthen the policy and legal frameworks, data systems, and financial mechanisms that ensure people have the security and opportunity to live in dignity.”
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, emphasised that the project is perfectly aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the commitment to institutionalising a social protection system that is both inclusive and shock-responsive.
He said, “With the SUSI project’s multi-stakeholder approach, we now have the tools, partnerships, and momentum to ensure that no crisis, no matter how sudden, leaves Nigerian families without support or hope.”
While launching the project, the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who appreciated the EU and all partners, welcomed the project’s launch in his state, saying, “Our communities in Benue have endured recurring waves of violence, economic hardship, and displacement.”
Alia, who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Sam Ode, said, “This initiative is timely and deeply needed; it equips us with systems to reach affected families swiftly, protect the most vulnerable, and rebuild lives with dignity. It is a critical step toward ensuring no one falls through the cracks again.”
The launch event brought together federal and state officials, development partners, civil society organisations, and media representatives to build momentum for implementation and collaboration.