A delegation from the European Union in Abuja, working with UNICEF, UNFPA, International Labour Organization, and partners including Plan International Nigeria, Action Against Hunger Nigeria, CARE Nigeria, and Danish Refugee Council, has concluded a mission to Sokoto State, reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support children, women, adolescents, and vulnerable families.

During the visit, the delegation met with the Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, to review ongoing collaboration and discuss priorities for delivering essential services across communities. Governor Aliyu highlighted the state government’s resolve to focus on practical interventions that improve lives. “Our administration is committed to practical solutions that uplift our people—consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda and our state priorities,” he said. “We will continue to prioritise the well-being of women, children, and vulnerable families and to work with partners to sustain results.”

The mission allowed the EU delegation, the Sokoto State Government, and development partners to observe progress across EU-supported initiatives in schools, primary health care facilities, Internally Displaced Persons camps, and community-based services. The visits provided direct engagement with beneficiaries and frontline workers implementing education, health, protection, and social services. Reflecting on the mission, Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation and leader of the visit, said the engagements highlighted the importance of strong systems. “This visit has shown how critical it is to invest in systems that protect and empower people—especially children and young people,” he said. “The EU remains committed to supporting Sokoto State in ensuring inclusive development that leaves no one behind.”

At schools and community sites, the delegation observed how safe learning environments, teacher support, and community engagement are expanding access to inclusive education. Officials noted improvements linked to coordinated support from government and partners. Speaking on UNICEF’s role, the UNICEF Deputy Representative for Programmes, Rownak Khan, said the focus remains on rights and wellbeing. “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,” she said. “In Sokoto, that means strengthening education, primary health care, and adolescent services through EU-supported programmes for health and education and helping families withstand shocks through social protection so that children not only survive but thrive.”

As part of the mission, government and partners presented a new tool designed to capture all dimensions of poverty within the National Social Register under the EU-funded Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria programme, known as SUSI. With funding of $14 million from the EU, SUSI aims to strengthen social protection policy and budgeting while supporting the creation of a social registry in Sokoto. The registry will focus on children and families in need, including those without birth registration or NIN, out-of-school children, families facing malnutrition, and households with limited access to primary health care.

Emphasising the systems-based approach of SUSI, the ILO Country Director said durable social protection depends on institutions and coordination. “Sustainable social protection requires strong institutions, clear policy, and coordinated financing,” the Director noted. “Through advancing program-based budgeting and an interoperable social registry, Sokoto can better identify need and deliver support where it matters most.”

At primary health care facilities, the delegation observed efforts to make services more adolescent-friendly and gender responsive. The UNFPA Nigeria Resident Representative said access to quality care remains essential. “Women and adolescents must be able to access quality, respectful care close to home,” the Representative said. “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.”

Community organisations were also highlighted as key to sustaining progress. The CARE Nigeria Country Director said local ownership drives lasting impact. “Communities are the engine of lasting change,” the Director said. “We remain committed to approaches that strengthen local leadership and accountability, ensuring that services reach those who need them most.”

Education partners stressed the need for safe and supportive learning spaces. Plan International Nigeria’s Country Director said collaboration remains central. “Every child deserves a safe, supportive place to learn,” the Director said. “Together with government and communities, we are working to make that a reality for girls and boys across the state.”

For displacement-affected families and host communities, inclusive and climate-smart solutions were identified as priorities. The DRC Country Director said dignity and coordination are essential. “Displaced families need pathways to rebuild with dignity,” the Director said. “Coordinated and community-driven responses are key to resilience and recovery.”

Addressing food security and nutrition, ACF Nigeria’s Country Director said multiple pressures have weakened coping capacity. “The conflict and insecurity, climate change, and natural disasters have severely faded vulnerable Nigerians’ ability at all levels to cope and thrive,” the Director said. “These collective efforts strengthen our shared commitment to supporting affected communities and the Nigerian government in advancing its strategies to end hunger and malnutrition for the well-being of the Nigerian people.”

The mission concluded with a renewed joint commitment by the EU, the Sokoto State Government, UN agencies, and partners to continue supporting the state’s social and economic development goals through coordinated and inclusive action.

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