EU, ActionAid Launch $2.5m Initiative to Bolster Nigeria's Social Safety Net

In a bid to revamp social protection programs in Nigeria, ActionAid Nigeria has partnered with the European Union to introduce the EU Support for Strengthening Social Protection in Nigeria project. This three-year initiative, valued at approximately $2.5 million, aims to enhance social protection schemes across 96 local government areas in Abia, Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto states. The project is expected to benefit 126,000 individuals, including 69,301 women. According to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Dr. Atiku Bagudu, the project's primary objective is to address existing gaps in the National Social Protection Register. Dr. Bagudu, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, emphasized the need to identify performance gaps, challenges, and areas for improvement in the current social protection policy. He noted that Nigeria cannot rely solely on social protection and handouts, stressing the importance of shifting focus towards development and investment. The project is part of the European Union's $46 million support to Nigeria's social protection system under the 2021-2027 Multi-Annual Indicative Programme. The EU representative, Chioma Osuji, stated that the project seeks to increase public trust and participation in the National Social Register process, promote inter-agency collaboration, and enhance the effectiveness of the National Social Register. The Country Director of ActionAid, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, highlighted that the project will establish 16 Social Register Action Teams to serve as independent citizen oversight structures within the social protection system. These teams will work towards rebuilding public trust in the National Social Register and strengthening coordination and accountability systems.