EU–UN Mission to Sokoto Strengthens Social Protection Systems, Advancing Hope for Women, Children and Vulnerable Families

Sokoto, Nigeria - A high-level delegation from the European Union (EU), accompanied by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and implementing partners-Plan International Nigeria, Action Against Hunger (ACF) Nigeria, CARE Nigeria and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC)-has concluded a mission to Sokoto State, reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthening systems that protect and empower children, women, adolescents and vulnerable families.

The mission, led by Mr. Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria, included a courtesy visit to His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, Governor of Sokoto State. The Governor reiterated the State Government's determination to deliver essential services and sustain results for its citizens.

"Our administration is committed to practical solutions that uplift our people-consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda and our state priorities," Governor Aliyu said. "We will continue to prioritise the well-being of women, children and vulnerable families and to work with partners to sustain results."

During the visit, the delegation observed progress across EU-supported initiatives in schools, primary health care facilities, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps, and community-based services. These initiatives are strengthening education systems, expanding access to quality health care, and building resilience among displacement-affected families.

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 in ensuring inclusive development that leaves no one behind.

Mr. Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria

A key highlight of the mission was the presentation of a new multidimensional poverty tool to be integrated into the National Social Register under the EU-funded Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI) programme. Backed by €14 million from the EU, SUSI aims to strengthen social protection policy, budgeting and delivery systems in Nigeria, including the establishment of an interoperable social registry in Sokoto that identifies and prioritises children and families most in need.

The registry will capture households often excluded from formal systems, including children without birth registration or National Identification Numbers (NIN), out-of-school children, families facing malnutrition, and those with limited access to primary health care.

Sustainable social protection requires strong institutions, clear policy direction and coordinated financing, through advancing programme-based budgeting and supporting the development of an interoperable social registry. The ILO is working with Sokoto State to ensure that social protection systems are not only inclusive, but efficient, transparent and capable of delivering support where it matters most.

Dr Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director for Nigeria Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Liaison Office for ECOWAS

By reinforcing policy frameworks, strengthening public financial management, and promoting data-driven targeting, the ILO's support under SUSI helps ensure that vulnerable families-particularly women and children-can access timely and reliable assistance. This systems-based approach is designed to create lasting impact, enabling the State to respond more effectively to poverty, shocks and crises.

Across schools and communities, the delegation witnessed how safe learning environments, teacher support and community engagement are expanding access to inclusive education. UNICEF Deputy Representative (Programmes), Rownak Khan, noted that strengthening education and health systems-alongside social protection-ensures that children not only survive, but thrive.

At primary health facilities, efforts to provide adolescent-friendly and gender-responsive services were also highlighted. UNFPA Nigeria's Resident Representative emphasised the importance of quality, respectful care close to home, especially for women and adolescents.

Members of the EU-UN delegation and community representatives participate in a symbolic tree-planting activity during the mission to Sokoto State, highlighting collective efforts to strengthen resilience and sustainable livelihoods

Implementing partners reaffirmed their commitment to community-led and climate-sensitive solutions. CARE Nigeria stressed the importance of local leadership and accountability; Plan International Nigeria highlighted safe learning spaces for girls and boys; DRC underscored dignified pathways to recovery for displaced families; and ACF Nigeria called for sustained efforts to address hunger, malnutrition and vulnerability amid conflict and climate shocks.

The mission concluded with a renewed commitment from the EU, the Government of Sokoto State, UN agencies and partners to deepen collaboration and accelerate progress toward inclusive social and economic development. By strengthening systems-particularly social protection-the partnership aims to ensure that the most vulnerable women, children and families in Sokoto are identified, supported and empowered to build resilient futures.