Northeastern Nigeria has received a boost for its social protection systems with the unveiling of a €36.33m initiative aimed at strengthening resilience and economic stability in Borno and Adamawa States.
This is according to a press release on Thursday by the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
The funding, co-financed by the European Union and the German government, forms part of the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection, Participation, and Economic Resilience in Northeast Nigeria programme.
The programme, which focuses on enhancing social protection systems, fostering economic resilience, and promoting gender equality and social inclusion, is designed to support vulnerable populations and increase social participation across the region.
Representing the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Dr. Karin Jansen, emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating, “This initiative is a testament to the enduring partnership between the Government of Borno State, BMZ, and the EU, and to our shared commitment to improving the lives of the people in Northeast Nigeria with a strong focus on gender equality and social inclusion.”
This announcement follows a high-level delegation mission to Borno and Adamawa states, comprising representatives from the EU, BMZ, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit.
The mission, led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, focused on reinforcing partnerships and exploring sustainable development opportunities in the region.
The EU reaffirmed its continued commitment to Northeastern Nigeria, noting that the region will remain a priority for EU development cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
Several new development programmes, including those co-funded by EU member states, are set to launch this year as part of a broader effort to support recovery and long-term stability in the region.
FAO Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Koffy Dominique Kouacou stressed the importance of agricultural systems in the region’s recovery.
“The collaboration we envision is inclusive, addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations while paving the way for long-term growth and prosperity,” Kouacou said.
He further highlighted that strengthening agricultural systems would help feed communities and create sustainable economic opportunities for the future.
Meetings with the Governors of Borno and Adamawa States also underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment for these transformative initiatives.
Both governors reaffirmed their commitment to supporting sustainable development efforts aimed at fostering peace and prosperity in the region.