The International Labour Organisation (ILO), ECOWAS, and the Federal Government of Nigeria have partnered to expand safety nets and strengthen poverty reduction
By Joan Nwagwu
The International Labour Organisation (ILO), ECOWAS, and the Federal Government of Nigeria have partnered to expand safety nets and strengthen poverty reduction efforts across West Africa.
Dr Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director for Nigeria, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Social Protection Framework and Operational Plan on Thursday in Abuja.
According to her, the framework provides a coherent structure to enhance social protection policies at the national level.
“Only 10 per cent of ECOWAS citizens currently benefit from at least one form of social protection, compared to the global average of 52 per cent.
“Social protection is not charity; it is dignity, security, and hope for the vulnerable,” Phala emphasised.
Prof. Fatou Sow-Sarr, Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs at ECOWAS, commended the partners for their support and efforts in advancing social protection and achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 1.3.
She recalled the 2023 Banjul meeting, where experts and ministers validated the framework, which was later approved by the Council of Ministers in 2024, transforming it into a binding legal instrument.
“West Africa, at 9 per cent, has the lowest social protection coverage compared to Africa’s average of 18 per cent.
“With this workshop, we are ensuring the operationalisation of the plan while sensitising member states to commit to its rollout,” Sow-Sarr stated.
Minister of State, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu, said the ECOWAS framework representted a landmark regional commitment to guide member states in implementing inclusive social protection programmes.
Sununu was represented by Mr Valentine Ezulu, Director of Social Development in the ministry.
He added that Nigeria had made significant progress in social protection under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including cash transfers to over 5.5 million households, microcredit schemes, and resettlement projects for displaced persons.
“Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to this regional initiative. Together, we will build a West Africa that empowers and protects the vulnerable,”Sununu said.
Mrs Bisi Arije, Partnership Manager at UNICEF, hailed ECOWAS for establishing a milestone framework that added real value to member states’ socio-economic development.
“Social protection is a right in principle and in practice.
“It secures better outcomes for children, builds human capital, strengthens economies, and promotes social cohesion,” she said.
Arije pledged UNICEF’s continued support through its presence in every ECOWAS member state, adding, “Today, we celebrate a major achievement for West Africa.” (NAN)