SOKOTO, NIGERIA – May 5, 2025: The European Union (EU), in partnership with the United Nations and the Government of Nigeria, has launched three transformative projects aimed at strengthening health services, social protection, and community resilience across the country.
The launch event, which took place on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the Sokoto Government House, drew high-level participation, including the EU Ambassador, Gautier Mignor, who led eight other EU Ambassadors of Sweden, Portugal, Poland, Spain, Finland, Belgium, Denmark and Germany.
Prominent on the delegation are Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria; Dr. Vanessa Phala, Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO); Dr. Gifty Addico, UNFPA Resident Representative; and Pierre Mendiharat, Country Director of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC).
On courtesy visits
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, the EU Ambassador, Gautier Mignor said the delegation, while in Sokoto, will interact traditional and religious leaders, the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) and conduct field visits.
Reacting, Governor Ahmed Aliyu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Idris Gobir, said “the three projects, EU launched in Sokoto which include; Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (SARAH), Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI), and Support for Protection, Assistance, and Durable Solutions, are not only timely but also perfectly aligned with the developmental priorities of our administration. These initiatives are directly aligned with our government’s 9-Point smart innovative Agenda, particularly in the areas of healthcare, social welfare, and protection for the most vulnerable members of our society.
“The SARAH programme, with its focus on improving reproductive and adolescent health, complements our unwavering commitment to women and children’s wellbeing. In Sokoto State, we provide free medical services to women and children across all public health facilities. Our administration is also undertaking massive renovation and re-equipping of healthcare centers, ensuring that essential drugs and modern equipment are readily available in all the health facilities in the State.
“We remain committed to partnerships that promote development and improve the quality of life of our people. We are determined to work closely with the European Union in all areas of mutual interest, especially in programmes that directly impact our communities.
“I commend the EU for this noble initiative. These programmes are a testament to your enduring support and shared vision for a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive society.”
At the Sultanate council, Mignor told Sultan Saad Abubakar of the EU’s determination to partner with the Sultanate, while stressing the Council’s role in addressing humanitarian challenges in Nigeria.
The Sultan expressed optimism that the high-powered delegation, which include eight other Ambassadors from EU member states in Nigeria, sends “strong message against those who paint the country in the bad light.
“Having you in Nigeria aims to solve some problems of humanity and our engagement with you has been very encouraging. In us, you will find a very good friend. These projects, for which you are in Sokoto today, is very important because they aim to lift the lives of the common man.”
At the projects launch
At the launch, the EU Ambassador reaffirmed the EU’s deep commitment to equity and inclusion: “The EU is proud to invest in Nigeria’s future through programmes that leave no one behind—whether it is better healthcare, livelihood support, or social protection. These three initiatives are part of our commitment to long-term, people-centered development and illustrate our enhanced support, particularly in the North-West of Nigeria.”
In a similar vein, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, emphasised the importance of resilience and system strengthening: “Social protection is a vital mechanism for reducing poverty and promoting inclusive development. And through SARAH, we are improving healthcare access for girls and mothers. Together with the EU, ILO, UNFPA, and DRC, we are helping Nigeria build strong systems that protect every child.”
Tbe Sultan, in his goodwill message, advised the state government not to abuse the opportunity and privilege provided by EU, while assuring that the religious and traditional leaders will work hand-in-hand with the state government to ensure the successfully implementation of the projects.
ASHENEWS reports that the €60 million projects, which are designed to tackle key challenges affecting millions of Nigerians, particularly in underserved and vulnerable communities, will be implemented between 2024 and 2027.
The initiatives, which aligns with Nigeria’s National Development Plan, will support the development of a more sustainable and inclusive social protection system, expand access to reproductive and adolescent health services, and provide meaningful support for people displaced by conflict and climate-related disasters.
With this launch, the EU and UNICEF reaffirm their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development priorities and improving the lives of its people through long-term, impactful partnerships.
