On a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support children, women, adolescents, and vulnerable families, a delegation from the European Union (EU) in Abuja, together with the United Nations (UN) agencies have concluded a mission to Sokoto State.
The EU-Sokoto partnership in support from UN agencies (UNICEF, UNFPA, ILO, and partners: Plan International Nigeria, Action Against Hunger Nigeria (ACF Nigeria), CARE, and Danish Refugee Council (DRC), gave the hint Thursday during their visit to the Sokoto Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, to underscored the State’s determination to deliver essential services to communities.
Aliyu in his remarks noted that his administration was committed to practical solutions that would uplift the Sokoto people—consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the state priorities.
The Governor said, “We will continue to prioritise the well-being of women, children, and vulnerable families and to work with partners to sustain results.”
Reflecting on the visit, Head of Cooperation at the EU delegation, Massimo De Luca, who led the mission, said, “This visit has shown how critical it is to invest in systems that protect and empower people—especially children and young people.
De Luca on a statement said the EU remained committed to supporting Sokoto State in ensuring inclusive development that leaves no one behind.
Speaking on the role of UNICEF, the UNICEF Deputy Representative Program, Rownak Khan, said, “UNICEF’s mandate is to support realising the rights and wellbeing of every child—and to support women, families, and communities who care for and guide them.
“In Sokoto, that means strengthening education, primary health care, and adolescent services through EU-supported programme for health and education and helping families withstand shocks through social protection so that children not only survive but thrive.”
As part of the visit, the government and its partners also presented a new tool to capture all dimensions of poverty into the National Social Register as part of the EU-funded “Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI)” program.
With $14 million from the EU, SUSI will improve social protection policy and budget and help create a social registry in Sokoto that focuses on children and families in need, including those without birth registration or NIN, out-of-school children, families facing malnutrition, and those with limited access to primary health care.
Speaking on the SUSI, International Labour Organization, Country Director, Dr. Vanessa Phala, said: “Sustainable social protection requires strong institutions, clear policy, and coordinated financing. Through advancing program-based budgeting and an interoperable social registry, Sokoto can better identify need and deliver support where it matters most.”
On her part, Country Resident Representative, UNFPA – Ms. Muriel Mafico, said, women and adolescents must be able to access quality, respectful care close to home. The dedication of frontline healthcare providers in Sokoto shows what is possible when we invest in the people and use data to reach the most vulnerable communities.”
The CARE Nigeria Country Director, Dr Hussaini Abdu remarked, “Communities are the engine of lasting change. We remain committed to approaches that strengthen local leadership and accountability, ensuring that services reach those who need them most.”
Partners working on education highlighted the importance of safe, supportive learning environments. Plan International Nigeria’s Country Director said, ‘Every child deserves a safe, supportive place to learn.