LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- A renewed push to reduce poverty while strengthening health, education, and social protection for vulnerable families took centre stage in Sokoto State as the European Union reaffirmed its long-term development commitment to the region.
The pledge followed a high-level mission by the EU Delegation to Nigeria, working with United Nations agencies and international partners, to assess progress and identify remaining gaps affecting women, children, and at-risk communities.
The delegation, which included UNICEF, UNFPA, the International Labour Organization, and several humanitarian organizations, met with Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu and visited schools, health centres, displacement camps, and community programmes.
Governor Aliyu said his administration remains focused on delivering practical solutions that improve daily life for residents across the state.
“Our administration is committed to practical solutions that uplift our people, consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda and our state priorities.?We will continue to prioritize the well-being of women, children, and vulnerable families and work closely with partners to sustain results,” he said.
During field visits, the mission reviewed EU-supported initiatives aimed at strengthening public systems, from safer classrooms and teacher support to primary health care and community-based social services. The Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria, Massimo De Luca, said the engagement reinforced the value of people-centred development.
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“This mission has shown how critical it is to invest in systems that protect and empower people, especially children and young people. The EU remains committed to supporting Sokoto State to achieve inclusive development that leaves no one behind,” De Luca said.
Education emerged as a key focus, with partners highlighting progress in improving access for children, particularly girls, through safer learning environments and stronger community involvement. UNICEF Deputy Representative for Programmes, Rownak Khan, said EU-backed efforts are helping to secure children’s futures.
“In Sokoto, our focus is on strengthening education, primary health care, and adolescent services, while helping families withstand shocks through social protection. This ensures that children not only survive, but thrive,” Khan stated.
Health facilities visited during the mission showcased efforts to deliver more adolescent-friendly and gender-responsive services. The UNFPA Nigeria Resident Representative commended frontline workers for expanding access to quality care.
“Women and adolescents must be able to access quality, respectful care close to home. What we are seeing in Sokoto shows what is possible when we invest in people and use data to reach the most vulnerable,” the rep said.
A major outcome of the visit was the introduction of a new multidimensional poverty data tool under the EU-funded Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria programme.
With €14 million in funding, the initiative is designed to strengthen social protection policy, budgeting, and service delivery in Sokoto State. It will support the creation of a comprehensive social registry to identify families most in need, including unregistered children, out-of-school youths, households affected by malnutrition, and those with limited access to basic health care.
The ILO Country Director said strong institutions are essential for sustaining these gains.
“Sustainable social protection requires clear policy, coordinated financing, and strong institutions. By strengthening program-based budgeting and an interoperable social registry, Sokoto can deliver support where it matters most.”
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Development partners also underscored the role of communities in ensuring lasting impact. CARE Nigeria’s Country Director noted that empowering local leadership strengthens accountability.
On displacement and food security, partners warned of mounting pressures from conflict, climate change, and natural disasters. The Danish Refugee Council stressed the importance of inclusive responses for displaced families, while Action Against Hunger highlighted the need to address rising hunger and malnutrition.
“These pressures have weakened the ability of vulnerable families to cope and thrive. Our collective efforts support the government’s strategies to end hunger and malnutrition,” ACF Nigeria’s Country Director said.
Together, the partners said the Sokoto mission reflects a shared commitment to long-term investments that protect the most vulnerable, strengthen public systems, and give families the tools they need to build healthier, more secure futures.
