The Oyo State Government has unveiled the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI) programme in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), a major push to reduce poverty and expand social inclusion statewide.
Monday’s launch at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan brought together senior government officials, development partners, civil society groups, and international organisations. Backed by funding from the European Union (EU) and jointly implemented by UNICEF and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), SUSI is tailored to strengthen Oyo State’s capacity to deliver inclusive, shock-responsive, and sustainable social protection.
Acting Governor Barrister Adebayo Lawal reaffirmed the administration’s commitment, noting that a solid legal framework is being prepared to anchor the programme. He directed that the framework be drafted, vetted by the Attorney-General, and transmitted to the House of Assembly without delay. Lawal also called for a modernised Social Protection Management Information System to link all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies for better coordination, urging development partners, civil society, and residents to rally behind the state’s drive for inclusive growth.
Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office, stressed the urgency of expanding coverage. She cited data showing that nearly half of residents—and more than 72% of children—experience multidimensional poverty, while only 11% are listed in the state’s social registry and just 2% receive any form of assistance. While acknowledging ongoing efforts such as free basic education, school feeding, and the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme, she described social protection as a lifeline that requires greater investment and pledged UNICEF’s long-term support so every child and family can access services that uphold dignity and well-being.
The Commissioners for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi, and for Women Affairs, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, also pledged support, highlighting the state’s work on conditional cash transfers to vulnerable households, expansion of health insurance, and revitalisation of primary healthcare centres to strengthen community resilience.
Professor Musibau Babatunde, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, added that social protection has been central to Oyo’s policy agenda since 2019, reflected in the state’s roadmap for accelerated development (2019–2023) and its current sustainable development plan (2023–2027), both geared toward inclusion and poverty reduction.
With SUSI now underway, Oyo State aims to set a national benchmark—building systems that meet immediate needs while laying a durable foundation for inclusive, sustainable growth.
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