Joint UN project: Institutionalizing Social Protection in Nigeria for SDG Acceleration (2020-2021)

The two year UN joint programme “Institutionalizing Social Protection for Accelerated SDG Implementation in Nigeria” will strengthen social protection at the federal level in Nigeria. In addition, it will implement a social protection programme in Sokoto state to serve as a blueprint for other states. It aims to generate impact by combining an institutional approach (policy and capacity strengthening) with the implementation of tangible interventions with focus on innovative financing mechanisms for social protection. The National Social Protection policy in Nigeria recognizes the need for both a systemic transformation (long-term) and a blueprint for accelerated implementation (short-term) towards universal social protection. The joint programme will strengthen the right-based approach to social protection by supporting the institutionalization and legislation of the social protection system in Nigeria. At the federal level, the International Labour Organization (ILO) will provide technical support to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), support the draft of a social protection bill and a costed action plan for the social protection sector. The ILO will also be supporting the operationalisation of the Sokoto State Health Insurance Scheme (SOCHEMA).