The European Union (EU) has called on Nigeria to increase financing for social protection interventions to reduce poverty.

Massimo De Luca, head of cooperation of the EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, spoke on Friday at the third edition of the Social Protection Cross-learning Summit (SPECS) in Abuja.

The summit was organised by the ministry of finance in collaboration with the Social Protection Development Partner Group.

De Luca said social protection provides safety nets that ensure access to essential services for the development of the country.

He noted that investing in social protection would contribute meaningfully to society.

“Investing in social protection means investing in our collective future, fostering resilience, and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the society despite background, location or uncertainties,” De Luca said.

He reiterated the EU’s commitment to collaborating with the federal government to address issues around poverty.

De Luca said the EU is supporting Nigeria’s social protection sector with €46 million to strengthen the social protection system in the country.

“Already we are finalising processes with UNICEF and GIZ to implement the project in the focal states,” he said.

“This looks at interoperability of related database, and ensuring functional shock responsive social register, while supporting three states in the north-east with safety nets programme that targets climate change affected communities.”