- EU funding: $14 million support for Sokoto’s social protection system
- Focus on vulnerable families and excluded children
- Global partners: UNICEF, ILO, UNFPA, others join EU mission
- State backing: Governor Aliyu pledges full commitment
Sokoto State is set for a major boost in its social protection system as the European Union (EU) has committed $14 million to help the state build stronger and more inclusive structures for identifying and supporting vulnerable families, especially children and women.
The funding is part of the EU’s Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI) programme and is designed to strengthen Sokoto’s capacity to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
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Under the programme, the funding will focus on three key areas: improving social protection policies, strengthening public budgeting, and creating a reliable social registry that will accurately identify families in need.
The commitment was announced during a three-day joint mission to Sokoto by officials of the European Union, the United Nations, and several international development partners. The delegation was led by the EU Head of Cooperation to Nigeria, Massimo De Luca.
Also on the mission were representatives from UNICEF, UNFPA, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and development organisations including Plan International Nigeria, Action Against Hunger (ACF Nigeria), CARE, and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC).
According to the EU, the planned social registry will give priority to children and families often left out of government support, including those without birth registration or National Identification Numbers, out-of-school children, malnourished households, and families with poor access to basic healthcare.
Speaking during the visit, De Luca stressed the importance of long-term solutions.
“This visit has shown how critical it is to invest in systems that protect and empower people, especially children and young people. The EU remains committed to supporting Sokoto State to ensure inclusive development that leaves no one behind,” he said.
In a joint statement, the partners said the mission reaffirmed their shared commitment to working closely with the Sokoto State Government to improve services for children, women, adolescents and vulnerable families, focusing on lasting system reforms rather than short-term interventions.
Receiving the delegation, Governor Ahmed Aliyu welcomed the initiative and assured the partners of the state’s full cooperation. He said his administration remains committed to sustaining development progress and delivering essential services in line with state priorities and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
