…to boost health, social protection, resilience
Gbolahan Salman Sokoto
In a significant move to bolster social services and strengthen community resilience, the European Union (EU), in partnership with several United Nations agencies and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), on Monday launched three landmark projects worth over €60 million in Sokoto State. The initiatives, set to run through 2027, aim to improve access to health, social protection, and livelihood opportunities for millions across Nigeria, particularly in the North-West.
The launch event, held in Sokoto city, was attended by ambassadors from nine EU member states, senior Nigerian government officials, traditional leaders including the Sultan of Sokoto, and top representatives of implementing organizations.
Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, hailed the projects—SUSI, SARAH, and SPADS—as a timely boost to his administration’s efforts to uplift vulnerable populations. “Our 9-point smart innovative agenda places the welfare of women, children, and the displaced at the center. These EU-funded programmes are a big win for Sokoto and a testament to our commitment to inclusive development,” he said.
The three projects are:
Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI) – Implemented by UNICEF and the ILO, SUSI seeks to improve Nigeria’s social protection infrastructure by upgrading systems, enhancing capacity, and strengthening policy frameworks. Sokoto is one of four pilot states.
Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (SARAH) – Led by UNICEF and UNFPA, SARAH will enhance reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services, particularly for survivors of gender-based violence. It targets over 45 million beneficiaries in Sokoto, Adamawa, and Kwara.
Support for Protection, Assistance & Durable Solutions (SPADS) – Spearheaded by the Danish Refugee Council with partners, SPADS promotes community-driven responses for displaced persons, offering livelihood support and climate-smart resilience strategies.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, described the funding as “a commitment to long-term, people-centered development that leaves no one behind.” Representatives from the UN system echoed his sentiments, emphasizing system-building, healthcare equity, and dignity for all.
The projects align with Nigeria’s National Development Plan and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, signaling robust collaboration between local authorities, international partners, and civil society in delivering real impact on the ground.