The European Union (EU) has urged the federal and state governments to boost funding for social protection programmes, emphasizing their crucial role in alleviating poverty nationwide.
According to a statement released on Saturday, Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made the call on Friday at the third Social Protection Cross-Learning Summit in Abuja.
De Luca said that social protection serves as a lifeline for the most vulnerable and impoverished households, providing a critical safety net and a beacon of hope for individuals and communities grappling with poverty and vulnerability.
By offering a vital foundation of support, social protection enables those in need to weather the storms of adversity and build a more secure future.
The Federal Ministry of Finance, in partnership with the Social Protection Development Partner Group, hosted the summit under the theme “Social Protection: A Catalyst for Human Capital Development.”
De Luca said that social protection is a vital component of human capital development, as it provides essential safety nets that guarantee access to fundamental services like education, healthcare, and nutrition, including contributing significantly to economic stability, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth, ultimately laying a solid groundwork for the comprehensive development and progress of a nation.
Citing the World Bank’s report, which put Nigeria’s poor at 104 million, or 46 percent, in 2023, he said: “Investing in social protection means investing in our collective future, fostering resilience, and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the society despite background, location, or uncertainties.”
The EU reaffirmed its dedication to partnering with the FG to tackle poverty and related challenges in Nigeria.
He said: “The EU is supporting Nigeria’s social protection sector to the tune of €46 million in its 2021–2027 programming to support system strengthening and the design of social safety nets programs.
“Already, we are finalising processes with UNICEF and GIZ to implement the project in the focal states.”
De Luca explained that the intervention aims to enhance the social protection system by improving the interoperability of related databases and ensuring a functional, shock-responsive social register.
Additionally, the programme will provide safety nets to climate change-affected communities in three states in the North East, promoting resilience and support for vulnerable populations.
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