Across Western Africa, fragile safety nets leave hundreds of millions of people vulnerable to terrible conditions as a result of economic shock, climate disaster and displacement. Government coverage of these issues remains critically low, with social protections in Western Africa having the lowest protection rate on the continent, with only 9% of its citizens having access to one form of benefit. This figure falls incredibly lower than Africa’s average of 18% and the global average of 52%. Limited government spending, underdeveloped health systems and weak coordination have further deepened the issue, leaving communities exposed to crises they simply cannot combat alone.

Nigeria’s First TRANSFORM Master Trainers

Nigeria has certified its first group of 21 TRANSFORM Master Trainers through the International Labour Organization (ILO), European Union (EU) and UNICEF program to rebuild social protection systems across Western Africa.

The newly accredited TRANSFORM Master Trainers completed intensive courses on governance, financing and program and target delivery, allowing them to become well-versed in the skills required to create strong social protections in Western Africa. The training took place in April 2026, at the United Nations Building in Abuja. The initiative stands as part of the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System (SUSI) project, which plans to expand the program across Abia, Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto throughout the next year. 

According to the ILO director for both Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr. Vanessa Phala, the TRANSFORM Master Trainers program has already been able to train over 5,000 people across about 30 African nations. Additionally, she states that the TRANSFORM program has ensured that these certifications are not merely participation trophies for the course, but instead an important distinction, recognizing the participants’ new skills and dedication to building a socially safer Western Africa.

The Impact

For Nigerians living in extreme poverty, this development promises a brighter future. This program could enable efficient aid distribution throughout the country, allowing impoverished Nigerians to receive their needed aid reliably while creating an economic base that is protected by government-backed safety nets. These social protections in Western Africa could make the region more resilient to crises like economic shocks, climate disasters and major displacements.

Specifically, the initiative targets Nigeria’s social protection management and information systems, with the groundwork laid for a seamless transition of information across departments, agencies and even countries. This integration could allow for enhanced coordination and overall efficiency of government programs, directly benefiting impoverished populations.

The Future of the Program

Over the next year, the TRANSFORM Master Trainers will undertake training initiatives across Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, spreading the effect of the TRANSFORM program across borders and throughout the region. Two newly certified trainers, Ge Matthew Terver and Tor-Wombo Jacyntha Ngodoo, both note that because of their training, they now understand what makes up the backbone of efficient social protection and how people are directly affected by administrative decisions, according to the ILO.

– Luca Napolitano

Luca is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr