Applications Open: EU-Funded SUSI Programme Offers €12.5 Million to Boost Social Protection in Nigeria
The European Union has launched a significant funding opportunity under its Support for Sustainable and Innovative Social Protection (SUSI) programme, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s social safety nets. With a total grant pool of €12.5 million, this initiative is designed to support projects that enhance the country’s ability to protect its most vulnerable populations, especially women and girls affected by poverty and climate-related challenges.
Programme Overview
The primary aim of this initiative is to reinforce Nigeria’s social protection systems by assisting the government in building resilience among disadvantaged communities. Emphasis is placed on promoting sustainable livelihoods and expanding the capacity of institutions to coordinate, manage, and utilize national social registers effectively. This effort supports the long-term goal of poverty reduction and socio-economic stability.
Grant Structure and Objectives
The call for proposals is divided into two specific focus areas:
Lot 1: Enhancing Awareness and System Coordination
This component aims to complement ongoing EU-backed projects by promoting public awareness and stakeholder engagement. The focus is on encouraging effective use of the National Social Register in planning and implementing poverty alleviation programmes. It also seeks to improve the coordination among various actors involved in Nigeria’s social protection landscape.
Lot 2: Implementing Practical Safety Net Models
This part of the initiative supports the direct implementation of innovative social protection interventions in selected communities. A particular emphasis is placed on Kebbi State and areas near national parks or game reserves, where environmental vulnerabilities intersect with social hardship. This approach tests scalable models to sustainably reduce poverty, with special attention given to at-risk women and girls.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for funding, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be a legal entity operating as a non-profit organization, public sector body, local authority, or an international inter-governmental institution.
- Be directly involved in both the planning and execution of the proposed action, either independently or in collaboration with co-applicants and affiliates.
- Proposals must be intended for implementation within Nigeria.
Funding Range
- The total amount available for this grant opportunity is €12,500,000.
- Individual project proposals may request funding between €2,500,000 and €10,000,000.
- Each grant must cover between 50% and 95% of the total eligible project costs.
How to Apply
🗓 Deadline for submission: 20 June 2025
