A large group of men and women holding certificates and standing together in a conference venue beside banners promoting sustainable social protection in Nigeria.

ILO, EU, and UNICEF strengthen Nigeria’s social protection system through TRANSFORM master trainers initiative

With the certification of a new cohort of national trainers, the TRANSFORM programme is empowering Nigeria to build a more inclusive, shock-responsive social protection system that delivers real impact for vulnerable communities.

19 May 2026

Certified TRANSFORM Master Trainers pose for a group photograph alongside representatives from the ILO, EU, and partner organizations after the successful completion of the Training of Trainers programme in Abuja.

Abuja, Nigeria - The International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with UNICEF and with funding support of the European Union (EU), has successfully concluded the accreditation and certification of the first cohort of national TRANSFORM Master Trainers in Nigeria—marking a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s social protection system. The celebration of the milestone took place on 21st April 2026, at the United Nations Building in Abuja, where 21 Master Trainers were formally recognized after completing an intensive Training of Trainers (ToT) programme. The initiative forms part of the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria (SUSI) project, which aims to expand access to social protection and ensure systems are responsive to shocks at both federal and state levels by 2027.

Implemented across Abia, Benue, Oyo and Sokoto states, the SUSI project focuses on building institutional capacity and strengthening policy frameworks to support vulnerable populations, particularly during times of crisis. Central to this effort is the TRANSFORM programme—a globally recognized training initiative developed at the request of the African Union to equip policymakers and practitioners with the skills needed to design and manage effective social protection systems.

A woman speaking at a podium with a microphone inside a United Nations conference hall during an official event.
A representative of the European Union delivers remarks during the TRANSFORM Master Trainers certification ceremony, reaffirming support for Nigeria’s social protection reforms.

According to the Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Liaison Office for ECOWAS, Dr Vanessa Phala, “since its inception, TRANSFORM has trained more than 5,000 practitioners across over 30 African countries, helping to reshape how social protection is understood and implemented”. In Nigeria, the programme is already demonstrating its value by strengthening technical expertise, fostering collaboration, and promoting a shared vision of social protection as a key driver of inclusive development.

The newly accredited Master Trainers underwent a rigorous process that included initial training, refresher sessions, and supervised practical delivery of training modules. Their certification represents not only individual achievement but also a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. By empowering local experts to deliver high-quality training, the programme ensures a sustainable and scalable approach to capacity building nationwide. Speaking at the ceremony, the ILO underscored the broader impact of TRANSFORM, noting that the programme was helping to strengthen institutions, improve coordination among stakeholders, and enhance the delivery of social protection services. These improvements would translate into better outcomes for millions of Nigerians, particularly those facing poverty, vulnerability, and the effects of economic or climate-related shocks.

Chioma Osuji, representing the European Union, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria in strengthening its social protection systems through strategic partnerships, capacity-building, and targeted initiatives such as the SUSI project and TRANSFORM training.

She noted that expanding the pool of trained facilitators would deepen grassroots impact, and expressed confidence that continued collaboration with partners would drive progress in reducing poverty and inequality.

After the TRANSFORM training, I shifted to an inclusive leadership style—moving from solving problems for my team to coaching and empowering them to make decisions independently. I’ve also strengthened my emotional intelligence and self-awareness by listening more actively. Now, I actively seek feedback and focus on strategic, measurable impact rather than just activity.

Ijeoma Uruakpa - Newly certified Master Trainer

Looking ahead, the certified Master Trainers would play a critical role in scaling up the TRANSFORM methodology across Nigeria. As part of a broader Africa-wide strategy, the initiative seeks to institutionalize training systems, making them more accessible, cost-effective, and locally driven.

Beyond policies and systems, the TRANSFORM training has strengthened the capacity of key stakeholders and social protection practitioners, leading to improved service delivery. Ultimately, it is about improving lives—ensuring that individuals and families can access the support they need to withstand shocks, build resilience, and pursue sustainable livelihoods.

David Terfa Akighir - Newly certified Master Trainer

By building a strong network of national trainers, Nigeria is positioning itself to accelerate progress toward a more inclusive and resilient social protection system. The ripple effects of this investment will extend communities—through improved policies, stronger institutions, and expanded access to essential services.

The ILO reaffirm its commitment to supporting Nigeria on this journey. Together, they are working to ensure that capacity development translates into lasting impact—delivering not only stronger systems, but also real and measurable improvements in the lives of people across the country.