EU Urges FG to Address Poverty with Financial Interventions

The European Union has called on Nigeria’s Federal and State Governments to significantly increase financing for social protection interventions, which it views as crucial for poverty reduction across the country. This appeal was made by Massimo De Luca, the Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, during the third edition of the Social Protection Cross-Learning Summit in Abuja on Friday.

In his address, De Luca described social protection as a fundamental pillar that supports the most vulnerable and impoverished households, offering not just a safety net but also hope for individuals and communities in need. He emphasized that social protection plays a vital role in human capital development by ensuring access to essential services such as education, health, and nutrition. Additionally, it contributes to economic stability, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth, thereby laying a strong foundation for the country’s overall development.

The summit, themed “Social Protection Towards Human Capital Development,” was organized by the Federal Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Social Protection Development Partner Group.

Citing the World Bank’s report which estimated that 104 million Nigerians, or 46 percent of the population, were living in poverty in 2023, De Luca stressed the importance of investing in social protection. “Investing in social protection means investing in our collective future, fostering resilience, and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society despite their background, location, or uncertainties,” he said.

He reiterated the EU’s commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian government to address poverty-related issues. “The EU is supporting Nigeria’s social protection sector to the tune of €46 million in its 2021 to 2027 programming, to support system strengthening and the design of social safety nets programs. We are finalizing processes with UNICEF and GIZ to implement the project in the focal states,” De Luca announced.

This intervention aims to strengthen the social protection system by improving the interoperability of related databases and ensuring a functional, shock-responsive social register. Additionally, it will support safety net programs in three North Eastern states, particularly targeting communities affected by climate change.

The EU’s call for increased financial interventions underscores the critical need for comprehensive social protection measures to uplift Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations and foster sustainable development