The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has trained government officials and key stakeholders on strategies to improve support for vulnerable residents during emergencies and periods of hardship.
The training, organised by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, was held at The Patron Hotels, Sangotedo, Lagos, and brought together members of the Social Protection Implementation Technical Working Group, social protection focal persons from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as other relevant stakeholders.
The workshop focused on developing stronger approaches for responding to economic challenges, climate-related emergencies, public health crises and other situations that affect vulnerable households across Lagos State.
Speaking during the opening session, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Olayinka Ojo, represented by the Director of Budget, Mr Oluwafemi Orojimi, said the programme was important due to the continued challenges faced by vulnerable groups.
She appreciated UNICEF for its ongoing support in strengthening social protection systems in Lagos and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a faster and more effective response mechanism for residents in need.
Mrs Ojo explained that the knowledge gained from the workshop would improve planning and the delivery of assistance to women, children, elderly persons, people living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
She added that the initiative would support the implementation of the Lagos State Social Protection Policy, the THEMES+ Agenda, the Lagos State Development Plan 2052, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Representing UNICEF, the Social Policy and Programme Manager, Muhammad Okorie, stressed the need for social protection systems that can respond quickly during emergencies.
Okorie said governments must improve the identification of vulnerable citizens and ensure that assistance reaches those affected during times of crisis.
He explained that social protection should go beyond temporary relief by helping people recover and rebuild their lives.
According to him, the aim should be to transform social protection systems from simple safety nets into stronger support structures that help people regain stability after difficult situations.
He also highlighted the importance of the Lagos State Single Social Register as a key tool for identifying vulnerable households, recommending that it be expanded to capture additional data, including cases of malnutrition and children who are out of school.
Participants at the workshop described the training as valuable, noting that it provided practical knowledge and skills to improve social protection planning and service delivery across government agencies.
The programme further demonstrates the continued partnership between the Lagos State Government and UNICEF toward building a more inclusive, responsive and sustainable social protection system for residents during emergencies.
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