EU, UNICEF, ILO partner FG on social protection project in Benue

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

As a major step towards building more resilient and inclusive social protection systems in Nigeria, the European Union (EU), in collaboration with UNICEF and the International Labour Organization (ILO), yesterday launched the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria (SUSI)project in Makurdi, Benue State.

A statement issued yesterday by Susan Akila,

Communication and Advocacy Specialist |Communications, Advocacy and Partnerships, said the €13 million EU-funded project will be implemented by UNICEF and ILO in four states—Benue, Abia, Oyo, and Sokoto—and at the federal level.

“It 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 brings home the importance of responsive and inclusive safety nets that reach affected populations swiftly and effectively.”

H.E.  Gautier Mignot, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, remarked: “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”.

Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, 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.”

His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State, welcomed the project’s launch in his state: “Our communities in Benue have endured recurring waves of violence, economic hardship, and displacement. 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.”

Also speaking at the event, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, emphasized: “This project is perfectly aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and our commitment to institutionalizing a social protection system that is both inclusive and shock responsive. 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.”