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By Tracy Moses
Benue – The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), on Wednesday officially launched the €13 million EU-funded Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria (SUSI) initiative in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The SUSI project, a significant milestone towards enhancing inclusive and resilient social protection frameworks in Nigeria, will be jointly implemented by UNICEF and ILO in four states, Benue, Abia, Oyo, and Sokoto, as well as at the federal level.
By targeting these states, the SUSI project is expected to foster the development of adaptive social protection systems capable of responding promptly to crises and reaching the most vulnerable segments of the population, particularly children.
Speaking at the launch, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, His Excellency Gautier Mignot, noted that: “The recent crisis in Benue starkly highlights the fragility of affected communities. Through this initiative, the EU is working to strengthen inclusive safety nets to ensure that, in times of crisis, no one is left behind.”
Also delivering remarks, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, stressed the lifesaving potential of social protection for crisis-impacted families. “When families lose their homes, livelihoods, or fall into poverty, social protection is essential. SUSI will ensure systems are in place to provide rapid and targeted support, particularly to children, before irreversible damage occurs.”
Vanessa Phala, Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, emphasized that: “Social protection is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of social justice. This project will enhance legal and policy frameworks, strengthen data and financing mechanisms, and provide people with security and the opportunity to live dignified lives.”
In a goodwill message, the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy Barr. Sam Ode, lauded the project’s timing and relevance. “Our people have endured recurrent violence, displacement, and economic suffering. This initiative arrives at a critical time. It empowers us to respond swiftly to crises, protect the vulnerable, and restore dignity to affected families.”
Providing further insight into the SUSI project, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, noted that: “The project aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It underscores our determination to institutionalize a social protection system that is inclusive and resilient. With SUSI’s multi-stakeholder framework, we are better equipped to respond to shocks and support Nigerian families through any crisis.”
SUSI initiative is designed to bolster the capacity of Nigeria’s social protection systems to manage shocks, reduce poverty, and safeguard the welfare of vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, persons with disabilities, and those displaced by conflict.
The project launch comes just one week after the deadly attack in Yelwata, Benue State, which claimed dozens of lives and displaced over 3,000 people, including more than 500 children, highlighting the urgency for responsive and inclusive support mechanisms.
The launch event drew participation from federal and state government representatives, international development partners, civil society organizations, and media stakeholders, all united in their commitment to drive implementation and foster collaboration.