The European Union, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, has officially launched the EU Support for Strengthening Social Protection in Nigeria (ESSPIN) project, a three-year initiative aimed at improving social protection programs across the country. The project, which involves an investment of approximately $2.5 million, will be implemented in 96 local government areas spanning Abia, Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto states.
The initiative is expected to reach 126,000 individuals, including 69,301 women. Speaking at the project launch in Abuja, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, represented by Director Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, emphasized that the project seeks to address existing gaps in the National Social Protection Register. He noted that it aims to consolidate lessons learned from earlier initiatives while strengthening community resilience through efficient and responsive social protection networks in selected pilot states.
Bridging Gaps in Social Protection Policy
Dr. Ebimaro stated that the project is designed to bridge identified gaps in the Nigeria Social Protection Policy, asking, "We want to identify the performance gaps. What are the challenges? What do we need to do?" He added, "From the perspective of economic development, we cannot continue to rely on social protection indefinitely. Nigeria must transition to an era of development and investment. We cannot persist with handouts and humanitarian aid. While challenges will remain, we must move beyond that point and focus on development and investment."
The minister commended the EU, ActionAid, and other development partners for their initiative and reiterated the ministry's commitment to ensuring the successful and impactful delivery of the program.
EU Support and Project Goals
Chioma Osuji, the representative of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, noted that the ESSPIN project is part of the EU's $46 million support for Nigeria's social protection system under the 2021–2027 Multi-Annual Indicative Programme. She explained, "The $2.5 million project was signed in December and is expected to run for three years, from 2026 to 2028. The project aims to increase public trust and participation in the National Social Register process, promote improved inter-agency collaboration, and enhance the effectiveness and utilization of the National Social Register."
Implementation and Oversight
Dr. Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid, stated in his opening remarks that ActionAid will collaborate with local partners, including the Okaha Women and Children Development Organisation (OWACDO) and the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), to implement the project at the community level. He revealed that the ESSPIN project has established 16 Social Register Action Teams (SoRAT), which will serve as independent citizen oversight structures within the social protection system.
Dr. Mamedu outlined the project's two primary goals: rebuilding public trust in the National Social Register and strengthening the coordination and accountability systems that determine its use.
