The Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria (SUSI) project, a collaborative effort between the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the European Union (EU), and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), was officially launched in Abia State, Nigeria. This €13 million initiative, spanning from 2024 to 2027, aims to bolster Nigeria’s social protection system, broaden safety nets, and alleviate poverty among vulnerable households across four selected states, including Abia. The project underscores the importance of social protection as not merely a safety net but a crucial springboard for individuals to lead dignified lives and escape the cycle of poverty.
The SUSI project represents a significant investment in human capital and the future of Nigeria. It seeks to empower vulnerable families and children, enabling them to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. This includes reaching out to the most marginalized communities, supporting struggling mothers, assisting the elderly and people with disabilities, and ensuring that no one is left behind. By strengthening social safety nets, the project aims to mitigate the impact of economic shocks and reduce inequality, creating a more resilient and inclusive society. The initiative recognizes that social protection is not a privilege or an act of charity but a fundamental right that upholds human dignity and provides hope for a better future.
Judith Leveillee, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Services, emphasized the transformative potential of social protection, highlighting its role in enabling individuals to live with dignity and overcome poverty. Similarly, EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, reiterated the project’s alignment with broader EU goals in education, health, gender equality, and economic development. He stressed that investments in social protection complement these other areas and contribute to inclusive growth and societal resilience. Mignot commended the Abia State Government for its support, acknowledging the state’s challenges with multidimensional poverty and expressing optimism about the project’s positive impact.
Dr. Vanessa Phala-Moyo, ILO Country Director, reinforced the message that social protection is a matter of dignity, not charity. She described the project as aligning with both the Abia State Governor’s vision and the Nigerian President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Phala-Moyo emphasized the project’s focus on providing safety and hope to the most vulnerable, connecting them with opportunities, and offering support during times of hardship. This includes providing assistance in cases of illness or job loss, ensuring that individuals have access to essential resources and support when they need it most.
The collaborative nature of the SUSI project is evident in the involvement of various stakeholders, including the federal government, state governments, international organizations, and local communities. This partnership approach ensures that the project’s interventions are tailored to the specific needs of the target populations and that local expertise and resources are effectively utilized. The provision of ICT equipment by the EU Ambassador to facilitate the integration of vulnerable households into the national social register further demonstrates the commitment to strengthening the social protection system and ensuring its effectiveness and reach.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti, upon inaugurating the Abia State Social Protection Council, expressed his unwavering commitment to the project’s success. He recognized the project’s potential to build on existing social protection efforts in the state and expand the reach of safety nets to encompass a wider population. Governor Otti’s pledge of support underscores the importance of government engagement in ensuring the project’s sustainability and long-term impact on poverty reduction and improved well-being for the people of Abia State. This collaboration between international organizations, federal and state governments, and local communities sets a promising precedent for future social protection initiatives in Nigeria.
