By Chinedu Echianu
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Federal Government have emphasised the need to strengthen the capacity of policymakers and implementers to ensure the development and effective delivery of inclusive and sustainable social protection policies in Nigeria.
The call was made at the opening of a five-day Transform Leadership and Capacity Building Training on social protection in Abuja. The programme, organised by the ILO in collaboration with UNICEF, is being implemented under the European Union-funded Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI) Project.
The training has brought together policymakers, government officials, workers’ and employers’ organisations, development partners and other key stakeholders responsible for the design and implementation of social protection programmes across the country.
Speaking at the event, Director of Social Security at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Franca Adiekweh, said strengthening the capacity of policymakers at all levels of government was essential to ensuring that social protection policies were properly designed, effectively implemented and adequately monitored.
According to her, the training comes at a crucial time as Nigeria continues to pursue policies aimed at expanding inclusive, equitable and sustainable social protection for vulnerable and underserved populations.
Adiekweh reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to promoting decent work and strengthening social protection as critical drivers of economic growth, poverty reduction and social justice.
Representing the ILO Country Director, Vanessa Phala, Chinyere Emeka Anuna said the programme was designed to strengthen institutions responsible for social protection and equip them to respond more effectively to the needs of vulnerable Nigerians.
She noted that decisions taken by policymakers and institutions directly affect millions of Nigerians grappling with poverty, unemployment, disability, displacement, old age and economic shocks.
Describing the Transform programme as more than a conventional training, Anuna said it was a leadership initiative aimed at encouraging participants to rethink how social protection systems are designed, coordinated, financed and delivered.
She added that participants would explore practical strategies for strengthening social protection systems, improving policy coherence, enhancing institutional coordination and developing sustainable financing models to ensure that support reaches those who need it most.
Anuna stressed that the true success of the training would be measured by its impact on policy implementation, institutional effectiveness and the overall improvement in the lives of Nigerians.
