ILO, UNICEF, EU Partner To Boost Nigeria’s Social Protection Systems Through SUSI Project

THE International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have launched a joint initiative to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection systems under the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI) project.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop for policymakers in Abuja, Dr. Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director for Nigeria, said the partnership is aimed at expanding access to social protection, especially for vulnerable groups and households affected by economic shocks.

Phala explained that the SUSI project aligns with Nigeria’s national development priorities, the ILO Decent Work Country Programme, and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, adding that it also supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We are honoured to partner with UNICEF on this vital project that strengthens sustainable social protection systems in Nigeria. The initiative reinforces our shared commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind,” Phala stated.

She said the workshop would provide technical knowledge for policymakers to design, implement, and monitor effective social protection programmes while fostering coordination among federal and state actors.

“Our goal is to build a cohort of social protection champions who will work together to extend coverage and ensure that vulnerable Nigerians receive the support they need,” she added.

Phala emphasised that collaboration between government agencies and development partners is essential for driving innovation, sustainability, and accountability in social protection delivery. She also expressed gratitude to the European Union (EU) for providing financial support to the SUSI project.

“Without the EU’s financial contribution, this initiative would not be possible. We deeply appreciate their continued partnership and commitment,” she said.

Declaring the workshop open, Phala urged participants to leverage the training to share experiences, develop practical strategies, and generate innovative solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection framework.

In her remarks, Mrs. Franca Adukweh, Director of Social Protection, Security, and Cooperation Development at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, described the workshop as critical to enhancing technical capacity and promoting a unified understanding of social protection policies.

“This session is not just another workshop—it is a crucial step toward building the expertise needed to sustain national social protection systems,” she said.

Adukweh highlighted that social protection remains one of the most effective tools for reducing poverty, promoting inclusion, and ensuring equitable development, stressing that policymakers play a pivotal role as the bridge between policy formulation and implementation.

She commended the ILO, UNICEF, and EU for their dedication to strengthening institutional capacity and fostering knowledge exchange.

“Let us approach this training with openness, collaboration, and determination to make social protection a reality for all Nigerians,” she urged.