Germany, EU Equip Nigerian Lawmakers On N/East Social Protection

The German government, through the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and the European Union (EU) have partnered with Nigerian lawmakers to bolster social protection frameworks aimed at mitigating the devastating effects of insecurity and flooding in Nigeria’s North-East, particularly in Borno and Adamawa states. The initiative, part of the Sustainable Social Protection, Participation, and […]

The German government, through the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and the European Union (EU) have partnered with Nigerian lawmakers to bolster social protection frameworks aimed at mitigating the devastating effects of insecurity and flooding in Nigeria’s North-East, particularly in Borno and Adamawa states.

The initiative, part of the Sustainable Social Protection, Participation, and Economic Resilience in North-East Nigeria (SEPIN SUSI) programme, was highlighted during a capacity-building workshop for legislators in Abuja on Thursday.

The workshop seeks to equip lawmakers with the tools to develop robust legislative frameworks to address the region’s socio-economic challenges.

Speaking at the event ,Dr Karin Jansen, head of International Cooperation at the German Embassy, underscored the workshop’s significance in her opening address.

“It is with great honour and a profound sense of purpose that I address you today, at the commencement of this pivotal workshop focused on enhancing the capacity of legislators from Borno and Adamawa States in the realm of social protection policy and legislative frameworks,” she said.

According to her ,the North-East region has endured years of insecurity, primarily due to the Boko Haram insurgency, compounded by recent environmental disasters.

The September 2024 floods in Borno, which claimed over 150 lives and displaced hundreds, have further strained the region’s fragile socio-economic fabric.

Dr Markus Wagner, GIZ country director, emphasised the critical role of social protection systems in poverty reduction.

“Achieving these outcomes depends not only on policies and programmes but also on the strength of institutions and the capacity of leaders—such as yourselves—to advocate for and guide inclusive and sustainable reforms,” he told the lawmakers.

Sampson Ebimaro, Director of International Cooperation at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, described the initiative as timely, given the region’s multifaceted challenges.

“The North-East, particularly Borno and Adamawa, has faced significant challenges over the years, ranging from insecurity and displacement to fragile institutional capacity.

“Yet, we are also witnessing encouraging signs of recovery and resilience, driven in part by visionary leadership and strategic partnerships,” he said.

Leila Bem, head of Human Development at the EU, reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s social protection systems.

“We believe that legal frameworks are the bedrock of institutional sustainability, and legislators play a pivotal role in ensuring that policies are translated into laws that protect the most vulnerable, foster equity, and promote social justice,” she stated.

Bem framed the workshop as a step toward achieving the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, which aims to leave no one behind.

On the sidelines of the event, Ali Kotoko, deputy speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, representing Speaker Abdulkarim Lawan, praised the EU and GIZ for their interventions.

“Borno is one of the states adversely impacted by insecurity and flooding. In the first phase of this programme, our people received cash palliatives to cope with these challenges,” he told journalists.

The current phase, which began in 2021, builds on these efforts to foster long-term resilience.

“Legislators from Borno and Adamawa are at the frontline of transforming aspirations into action. Your influence in crafting inclusive laws, ensuring budgetary commitments, and holding institutions accountable cannot be overstated,” Bem noted.