Makurdi: The European Union (EU) has inaugurated the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria (SUSI) project in Benue.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) organised the inauguration, which was held on Wednesday in Makurdi.
The inauguration followed the June 13 deadly attack on the Yelwata community of Guma Local Government Area, which left more than 200 dead and more than 3,000 displaced, including over 500 children.
European Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Gautier Mignot, said that the project aimed to strengthen social protection systems to better respond to shocks, reduce poverty, and protect vulnerable populations.
Mignot said that the EU would continue to support the victims in recovering from their shock and economic losses.
The ambassador said the recent attacks were a painful reminder of how vulnerable communities were.
He added that they would strive to build a stronger, inclusive social protection system for the people.
Mignot said that the €13 million EU-funded project would be implemented by UNICEF and ILO in the four states of Benue, Abia, Oyo, and Sokoto and at the federal level.
“The recent violence in Benue is a painful reminder of how vulnerable communities are to shocks.
“The EU is helping to build stronger, more inclusive social protection systems through this partnership so that no one is left behind in a crisis,” he said.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Ms Cristian Munduate, said that the attacks had forced many families to flee for safety, losing in the process loved ones and sources of livelihood.
“When families are forced to flee violence, lose their livelihoods or face poverty, social protection becomes a life-saving measure.
“SUSI will help create systems that can respond quickly and reach those most in need, especially children, before their lives are permanently derailed,” she said
On her part, Ms Vanessa Phala-Moyo, Director of ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, said social protection was a right and foundation for social justice.
Phala-Moyo said the project would strengthen the policy and legal frameworks, data systems, and financial mechanisms that ensured people had security and the opportunity to live in dignity.
In his remarks, Gov. Hyacinth Alia said Benue communities had endured recurring waves of violence, economic hardship, and displacement.
Represented by his deputy, Alia said the initiative was timely and deeply needed. It equipped the state with systems to reach affected families swiftly, protect the most vulnerable, and rebuild lives with dignity.
Also speaking at the event, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, said the project perfectly aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This project is perfectly aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and our commitment to institutionalising a social protection system that is both inclusive and shock responsive.
“With the SUSI project’s multi-stakeholder approach, we now have the tools, partnerships, and momentum to ensure that no crisis, no matter how sudden, leaves Nigerian families without support or hope,” Yilwatda said.
