UMUAHIA, Nigeria — The European Union and UNICEF have launched a €13 million project in Abia state to strengthen social protection systems and reduce poverty among vulnerable families.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The initiative, unveiled Friday in Umuahia, aims to expand social safety nets, improve access to healthcare and education, and provide direct support to poor households. Officials said the project will run for three years and focus on helping children, women, and people living in extreme poverty.

“This program is about giving hope and dignity,” said Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria. “It will help families meet basic needs, keep children in school, and reduce the impact of poverty on the most vulnerable.”

Key details

The €13 million funding comes from the European Union, while UNICEF will lead implementation in partnership with the Abia state government. The program is part of the EU’s broader support for Nigeria’s social protection reforms, which aim to create sustainable systems for long-term poverty reduction.

Officials said the project will provide cash transfers to poor families, strengthen local health services, and improve birth registration and child protection programs. Community workers will also be trained to support families with nutrition, hygiene, and parenting skills.

“The goal is not only to provide short-term relief but to build structures that last,” said EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS Samuela Isopi. “Social protection is a human right, and this project is one way the EU is standing with Nigeria.”

Why Abia?

Abia was chosen because of its high rates of poverty and inequality, UNICEF officials explained. Many families struggle with unemployment, weak health services, and limited access to quality education.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, about 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, lacking access to basic services. Abia reflects these national challenges, with many households unable to afford food, medicine, or school fees.

Governor Alex Otti said the program comes at a critical time. “We are determined to break the cycle of poverty in Abia,” he said. “With this partnership, we can give our people better opportunities and ensure no child is left behind.”

Broader context

Social protection has become a priority issue in Nigeria. The federal government has been expanding programs such as conditional cash transfers and school feeding schemes. However, coverage remains limited, and many states lack the resources or systems to reach poor families effectively.

Development experts say that without stronger social protection, poverty will continue to rise, especially as inflation, unemployment, and insecurity put pressure on households. Children are most affected, with millions at risk of malnutrition, child labor, and early marriage.

By focusing on Abia, the EU-UNICEF project will test new models of coordination between state institutions, community groups, and international partners. Lessons learned could be applied to other states in the future.

Community impact

For families, the program could mean the difference between survival and despair. Mothers will be able to buy food, pay medical bills, and send children to school. Community health centers are expected to receive more supplies and training. Birth registration drives will ensure children have legal identities, giving them access to services.

“This is about fairness and justice,” said Ngozi Okoro, a women’s leader in Umuahia who attended the launch. “Poor families work hard, but life is very tough. This support will help us breathe again.”

The program will roll out in stages, starting with identifying the poorest households through community surveys. Payments to families are expected to begin later this year. UNICEF said it will closely monitor results and adjust the project to meet community needs.

EU officials emphasized that success will depend on strong local participation and transparent management.

“Our commitment is firm,” Isopi said. “But the people of Abia are the real drivers of change. Together, we can build a stronger safety net that leaves no one behind.”

If successful, the project could serve as a model for how international partnerships can strengthen social protection in Nigeria and across Africa.