ILO and Partners Unveil €60 Million Investment in Nigeria’s Social Protection and Health Systems

The project - Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI), implemented by United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and ILO, Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (SARAH), led by UNICEF and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and Support for Protection, Assistance & Durable Solutions (SPADS), spearheaded by Danish Refugee Council (DRC) - will collectively uplift millions of Nigerians - women, children, and displaced individual.

ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Liaison Office for ECOWAS, Vanessa Phala emphasized the importance of sustainable policy infrastructure:

This project lays the foundation for Nigeria’s long-term social security, ensuring that no individual is left behind. We are honoured to work alongside government and communities in advancing dignity for all.

Vanessa Phala

Phala further stated that the EU-funded project will consolidate on the initial successes with the main aim to reinforce policy frameworks, integrate financial mechanisms into budgets and enhance shock-responsiveness of social protection in the State. She highlighted key outcome to be achieved through the project to include:

• Improved Sokoto State Social Register: Enhancing the social register to better identify and support vulnerable populations including workers in the informal sector.
• Strengthened Legal Frameworks: Strengthen and facilitate the development of policies and laws that support social protection.
• Increased Access to Healthcare: Facilitate the expansion of universal health insurance schemes, such as the Sokoto State Contributory Health Insurance Management (SOCHEMA).
• Enhanced Capacity Building: Provide training and capacity-building programmes for policymakers and stakeholders using our human resources from International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO Turin) among others.

With the commitment of His Excellency, the Governor of Sokoto State on the protection and well-being of the citizens of the State, particularly vulnerable population and workers, the ILO is committed to along with UNICEF collaborate to strengthen the social protection system in Sokoto State. She appreciated the EU for the financial support and UNICEF for collaborating with the ILO on this project.

UNICEF Representative Cristian Munduate highlighted the impact on healthcare: “Through SARAH, we are ensuring that girls, mothers, and vulnerable populations receive essential health services.”

UNFPA Resident Representative Dr. Gifty Addico underscored reproductive health equity: “Every woman and adolescent deserve access to quality healthcare. SARAH makes this possible, ensuring no one is left behind.”

DRC Country Director Pierre Mendiharat emphasized local resilience:

These solutions are driven by communities themselves, creating sustainable pathways for displaced families and host communities.

Pierre Mendiharat - Country Director, DRC

This landmark collaboration underscores a commitment to people-centered development—where social protection, healthcare, and economic empowerment intersect to create brighter futures for millions.