The European Union (EU) has urged the Nigerian federal and state governments to increase funding for social protection initiatives, emphasizing their importance in reducing poverty. Speaking at the Social Protection Cross-Learning Summit in Abuja, Mr. Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted the EU's commitment to supporting Nigeria's social protection sector with €46 million from 2021 to 2027.
De Luca noted that the EU is finalizing partnerships with UNICEF and GIZ to implement projects in select states. These interventions aim to strengthen social protection systems by enhancing database interoperability and establishing a functional shock-responsive social register. Additionally, safety nets will target communities in the North East affected by climate change.
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Describing social protection as a vital support for vulnerable households, De Luca emphasized its role as more than just a safety net, but as a beacon of hope. The summit, themed “Social Protection Towards Human Capital Development,” was organized by the Federal Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Social Protection Development Partner Group.
Citing a World Bank report estimating that 104 million Nigerians live in poverty, De Luca stressed the critical role of social protection in human capital development. He reiterated the EU's commitment to partnering with Nigeria to combat poverty and promote inclusive growth, underscoring the importance of investing in the country’s collective future.
