The European Union and the Sokoto State Government on Wednesday unveiled a new child-sensitive social protection model aimed at improving how vulnerable households are identified and supported across the state.
The programme is supported by the EU’s €14 million Social Support for Social Inclusion initiative and is being delivered by UNICEF in partnership with the International Labour Organisation as part of efforts to reinforce Nigeria’s social protection framework.
Addressing stakeholders at the launch in Sokoto, UNICEF Deputy Representative, Ms Rownak Khan, acknowledged improvements in Nigeria’s social protection landscape but cautioned that child deprivation remains extensive and layered.
“Poverty affecting children in Nigeria is not limited to income shortfalls, many children are not in school, have limited access to healthcare, experience malnutrition, lack legal identity or miss routine immunisation. These multiple disadvantages interact with one another and can have lasting effects on a child’s life.”
She said the model would broaden the National Social Register to capture critical child-specific data, including school enrolment status, nutrition levels, health insurance coverage, birth registration, zero-dose immunisation and exposure to economic or climate shocks.
“Improved data will enable better planning, more efficient service delivery and stronger grievance redress, especially in local government areas with high poverty levels,” she added.
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, described the initiative as a milestone in the state’s social welfare agenda and pledged continued backing to ensure its effective implementation.
“This initiative underscores our determination to safeguard the most vulnerable members of our society, particularly children,” the governor said.
He further added that “Sokoto State is honoured to lead this effort and will work closely with our partners to ensure tangible benefits at the grassroots.”
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Sokoto, Mr Michael Juma, revealed that the state-level rollout could provide a reference point for expansion to other parts of the country, stressing the role of community engagement.
“Active community involvement is essential to making sure no family is overlooked,” Juma said.
EU officials at the event, including Head of Cooperation, Mr Massimo De Luca, and Head of Human Development, Ms Leila Ben Amor, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to advancing the welfare of children and vulnerable households in Nigeria.
Development partners expressed optimism that the initiative would yield measurable improvements for families and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive social protection system nationwide.