EU, UNICEF, ILO, FG launch €13m social protection project in Benue

The European Union (EU), in collaboration with UNICEF and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), on Tuesday launched the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria (SUSI) project in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. 

The €13 million EU-funded project will be implemented by UNICEF and ILO in four states – Benue, Abia, Oyo, and Sokoto and at the federal level to strengthen social protection systems to better respond to shocks, reduce poverty and protect vulnerable populations, including children, women, persons with disabilities, and those affected by conflict and displacement. 

Our correspondent reports that the launch comes just days after a deadly attack in the Yelwata community of Benue State, which left dozens dead and displaced more than 3,000 people, including over 500 children. 

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Speaking during the launch at the Government House in Makurdi, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said, “The recent violence in Benue is a painful reminder of how vulnerable communities are to shocks. 

Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, added, “When families are forced to flee violence, lose their livelihoods or face poverty, social protection becomes a life-saving measure.

 Vanessa Phala, Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, said, “This project will strengthen the policy and legal frameworks, data systems, and financial mechanisms that ensure people have the security and opportunity to live in dignity.” 

Responding, Governor Hyacinth Alia, applauded the project’s launch in his state as he expressed worry over the worsening insecurity. 

“Our communities in Benue have endured recurring waves of violence, economic hardship and displacement. This initiative is timely and deeply needed; it equips us with systems to reach affected families swiftly, protect the most vulnerable, and rebuild lives with dignity. It is a critical step toward ensuring no one falls through the cracks again,” Alia said.