By Joke Kujenya
NIGERIA HAS received a significant boost in its efforts to combat poverty, with the European Union (EU) announcing a grant of €46 million for the country’s 2021-2027 poverty alleviation programme.
The announcement was made by Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, during the 3rd edition of the Social Protection Cross-Learning Summit (SPECS) in Abuja.
De Luca emphasized the importance of this grant in addressing poverty across Nigeria, urging both federal and state governments to increase their financing for social protection initiatives.
He highlighted the collaboration with UNICEF and GIZ, indicating that the implementation of the project in selected states is already in its final stages.
Referencing a World Bank report, De Luca pointed out the alarming statistic that 104 million Nigerians, or 46 percent of the population, were living in poverty as of 2023.
“Investing in social protection means investing in our collective future, fostering resilience, and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society, regardless of their background, location, or uncertainties,” he stated.
The EU’s commitment to working with the Nigerian government to tackle poverty was reiterated, with De Luca outlining the intervention’s objectives. The programme aims to strengthen the social protection system by improving the interoperability of related databases and ensuring a functional, shock-responsive social register.
Additionally, it will support safety nets in three North Eastern states, focusing on communities affected by climate change, adding that this substantial financial commitment from the EU is a vital step in addressing the pervasive issue of poverty in Nigeria, promising significant improvements in the lives of many vulnerable citizens.
At JKNewsMedia, our dedication to delivering reliable news and insightful information to our cherished readers remains unwavering. Every day, we strive to provide you with top-notch content that informs and enlightens. By donating to JKNewsMedia, you directly contribute to our mission of delivering quality journalism that empowers and informs. Your support fuels our commitment to bringing you the latest updates and in-depth analysis. Let's continue to uphold the highest standards of journalism and serve our community with integrity and dedication. Thank you for being a part of the JKNewsMedia family and for your ongoing support.
