At the United Nations Building in Abuja on April 21st, 2026, 21 Nigerian social protection experts received their official credentials as TRANSFORM Master Trainers—a moment that signals a quiet revolution in how the country will support its most vulnerable citizens in times of crisis. The International Labour Organization, in partnership with UNICEF and the European Union, has just completed a rigorous training programme designed to create a network of locally rooted experts who can teach others to build and manage effective social protection systems.
Why does this matter? Nigeria faces persistent poverty and vulnerability, and when economic shocks or climate-related crises hit, it's often the poorest families who suffer most. Social protection systems—safety nets that help people weather emergencies and build resilience—can be transformative. But these systems only work if the people designing and managing them have the right skills and knowledge. The TRANSFORM initiative, originally developed at the African Union's request, is designed to fill exactly that gap.
The newly certified trainers completed an intensive Training of Trainers programme that included initial preparation, refresher sessions, and supervised practical delivery of training modules. Their certification represents more than individual achievement; it's a strategic investment in Nigeria's future. These 21 experts will now cascade their knowledge across four states—Abia, Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto—as part of the larger Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria (SUSI) project, which runs through 2027. The goal is ambitious: to expand access to social protection and ensure systems respond effectively to shocks at both federal and state levels.
The credentials carry real weight. Since its inception, TRANSFORM has trained more than 5,000 practitioners across over 30 African countries, reshaping how social protection is understood and implemented across the continent. In Nigeria, the programme is already proving its value by strengthening technical expertise, fostering collaboration between government agencies and civil society, and building a shared vision of social protection as essential to inclusive development.
Speaking at the certification ceremony, Chioma Osuji, representing the European Union, emphasized that expanding this pool of trained facilitators would deepen grassroots impact. "Continued collaboration with partners will drive progress in reducing poverty and inequality," she said, underscoring the conviction that this work extends far beyond policy documents into the lived experiences of ordinary Nigerians.
What makes this initiative sustainable is its focus on building local capacity rather than importing external expertise. By empowering Nigerian experts to deliver high-quality training themselves, the programme ensures a scalable, cost-effective approach that can reach more communities. The ripple effects are already visible: newly certified trainers report shifts in their own leadership styles, from solving problems for their teams to empowering them to make decisions independently. They're strengthening emotional intelligence and self-awareness, which translates into better coordination among stakeholders and improved delivery of services on the ground.
Looking ahead, these 21 Master Trainers will play a critical role in institutionalizing training systems across Nigeria, making them more accessible and locally driven. It's an investment in people—in their capacity to help others withstand shocks, build resilience, and pursue sustainable livelihoods. As Nigeria positions itself to accelerate progress toward a more inclusive social protection system, the real measure of success will be measured not in certificates earned, but in families better protected and futures more secure.