A €13 million European Union-funded project aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s social protection system and expanding coverage for the most vulnerable has been launched in Abia State. The three-year initiative, known as the Sustainable Social Protection System (EU-SUSI) project, is being implemented by UNICEF and the International Labour Organization (ILO) in four Nigerian states, including Abia.
Speaking at the launch in Umuahia, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS said the project is designed to ensure that no one is left behind while complementing the EU’s broader goals in education, health, gender equality, and economic development. He commended UNICEF and ILO for their collaboration and praised the Abia State Government for its commitment to advancing social protection.
Representing UNICEF, the Chief of Field Services described the project as “a promise that families and children will not fall through the cracks.” She explained that social protection is more than a safety net , it is a springboard that enables people to live with dignity, grow, and thrive. The initiative aims to reach all children, including those in remote areas, as well as struggling mothers, elderly people, persons with disabilities, and young people whose future depends on inclusive social policies.
UNICEF also stressed the importance of reliable data in designing effective interventions, revealing that only 14.8% of Nigerians currently benefit from social protection schemes. The SUSI project, it said, is intended to change this by strengthening policies, improving coordination, enhancing collaboration, and building systems capable of withstanding shocks and crises.
The Governor of Abia State commended the EU, UNICEF, and ILO for their partnership, noting that the programme will bring significant relief to families and deepen social safety nets across the state. He highlighted existing state initiatives such as the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, the Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, and the Senior Citizen Centre, which will support the project’s rollout.
The Country Director of the ILO for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to partnering with UNICEF to deliver social safety nets for the most vulnerable.
The event also featured the formal inauguration of the Abia State Social Protection Council, which will oversee the implementation of the EU-SUSI project in the state.
For Nigeria’s MSMEs and local communities, the initiative holds significant promise. By reducing economic vulnerability and strengthening social protection systems, the programme is expected to create a more stable environment for small businesses to thrive, improve household resilience, and support inclusive economic growth. Through targeted support for vulnerable groups, it seeks to build stronger, more equitable communities that can contribute to sustainable development.
