EU, UN agencies reaffirm support for women, children, vulnerable families in Sokoto

Gbolahan Salman Sokoto

The European Union and United Nations agencies wrapped up a high-level mission to Sokoto State between Monday and Wednesday, pledging to deepen collaboration with government and partners to strengthen services for women, children, adolescents and vulnerable families.

The delegation, led by the EU Delegation in Abuja and joined by UNICEF, UNFPA, ILO and other humanitarian and development partners met with Governor Ahmed Aliyu and toured EU-supported programmes in schools, health facilities, internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and community sites.

The Governor in his remarks said his administration is focused on practical investments that directly benefit citizens.

“Our administration is committed to practical solutions that uplift our people—consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda and our state priorities.

“We will continue to prioritise the well-being of women, children, and vulnerable families and to work with partners to sustain results”. he said.

Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation, Massimo De Luca, who led the mission, said the visit underscored the value of investing in systems that protect and empower young people. “This visit has shown how critical it is to invest in systems that protect and empower people—especially children and young people,” he said.

“The EU remains committed to supporting Sokoto State in ensuring inclusive development that leaves no one behind.”

At schools and community learning sites, the delegation observed efforts to improve safe learning environments, strengthen teacher support and expand access to inclusive education.

UNICEF Deputy Representative Program, Rownak Khan, said UNICEF’s mandate in Sokoto prioritises services that help children “not only survive but thrive.” She added: “That means strengthening education, primary health care, and adolescent services through EU-supported programmes and helping families withstand shocks through social protection.”

A major focus of the visit was progress under the EU-funded Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI) programme. With €14 million in EU support.

SUSI aims to strengthen policy, budget frameworks and data systems and to develop a social registry that better identifies children and families in need, including those without birth registration or national identity numbers, out-of-school children and families facing malnutrition.

ILO’s Country Director stressed the systems dimension of social protection, saying: “Sustainable social protection requires strong institutions, clear policy, and coordinated financing.

Through advancing program-based budgeting and an interoperable social registry, Sokoto can better identify need and deliver support where it matters most.”

At primary health centres, partners highlighted progress in infant, maternal and adolescent care. UNFPA’s Resident Representative said the results demonstrate what is possible when systems invest in frontline workers:

“Women and adolescents must be able to access quality, respectful care close to home.

“The dedication of frontline healthcare providers in Sokoto shows what is possible when we use data to reach the most vulnerable communities.”

Community organisations also stressed the importance of local leadership. “Communities are the engine of lasting change,” the CARE Nigeria Country Director said. “We remain committed to approaches that strengthen local leadership and accountability, ensuring that services reach those who need them most.”

Plan International Nigeria’s Country Director added that the partnership is helping expand safe learning spaces. “Every child deserves a safe, supportive place to learn,” he said.

“Together with government and communities, we are working to make that a reality for girls and boys across the state.”

For displacement-affected households, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) stressed the need for climate-smart, locally driven recovery. “Displaced families need pathways to rebuild with dignity,” the Country Director said. “Coordinated and community-driven responses are key to resilience and recovery.”

Action Against Hunger (ACF) Nigeria noted that climate shocks and insecurity have eroded families’ ability to cope. “The conflict and insecurity, climate change, and natural disasters have severely faded vulnerable Nigerians’ ability at all levels to cope and thrive,” its Country Director said.

“These collective efforts strengthen our shared commitment to supporting affected communities and the Nigerian government in advancing its strategies to end hunger and malnutrition.”

The mission concluded with a renewed joint commitment to strengthen the EU–Sokoto partnership across social protection, education, health, and humanitarian response — with a shared focus on systems that protect the most vulnerable.