ECOWAS Adopts Landmark Social Protection Roadmap in Abuja
In a landmark move to strengthen regional efforts against poverty and humanitarian crises, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has officially launched the ECOWAS Social Protection Framework and Operational Plan at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja.
The launch marks a major milestone in West Africa’s commitment to social inclusion. Presiding as Chair of the ECOWAS Inter-Ministerial Committee on Social Protection, Hon. Swaray underscored that the framework—endorsed by ECOWAS ministers in 2023—provides a unified roadmap for building resilient, inclusive, and shock-responsive systems across member states.
Delivering his keynote address at the hybrid meeting, he conveyed greetings from President Julius Maada Bio, who currently serves as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. Minister Swaray praised the technical working group for producing a people-centered policy instrument, declaring:
“This is not just another policy document; it is a roadmap to shield our people—especially the most vulnerable—from sliding into poverty.”
Sierra Leone’s National Commitment
Minister Swaray highlighted Sierra Leone’s progress under President Bio’s leadership, including:
- Revising the National Social Protection Policy in 2019 to introduce age-appropriate interventions.
- Developing a shock-responsive social safety net strategy in 2020 to address climate and emergency risks.
- Passing the Social Protection Act, which created the National Social Protection Authority (NSPA) to mobilize resources, eliminate fragmentation, and improve efficiency.
“With support from partners including the World Bank, ILO, FAO, and UNICEF, Sierra Leone is now at an advanced stage of extending social protection to the informal sector—reducing vulnerability and building long-term resilience,” he added.
He emphasized that the ECOWAS framework aligns with Vision 2050, which aspires to a community that guarantees human dignity and a higher standard of living for all.
Regional and International Support
Presenting the framework, ECOWAS Programme Officer Abinbola Oyelohunnu called for joint ownership, stressing that implementation requires collaboration among governments, civil society, and development partners.
“Social protection is not a privilege; it is a right,” she said. “Adequate funding and shared responsibility are essential to expanding coverage.”
Dr. Vanessa Phala-Moyo, ILO Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, praised the contributions of UNICEF, FAO, WHO, and other UN agencies. She underscored that social protection reduces poverty, restores dignity, and strengthens resilience against economic, environmental, and social shocks.
Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Betta Edu, who chaired the adoption meeting, hailed the framework as a “crucial step” in deepening regional cooperation. She stressed that full implementation is key to overcoming poverty and humanitarian challenges across West Africa.
Next Steps
With the framework now launched, ECOWAS member states are expected to:
- Integrate its guidelines into national policies.
- Establish monitoring systems.
- Mobilize domestic and international financing.
- Promote inclusive programming for informal workers, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.
Hon. Swaray was joined by a high-level Sierra Leonean delegation, including Ambassador Ernest Ndomahina (NaCSA Commissioner), Mr. Abu Kokofele (NSPA Director-General), Mr. Arnold Osman Sesay (Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security), and Dr. Julius F. Sandy, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to Nigeria and Chair of the ECOWAS Permanent Representative Committee. Their presence highlighted Sierra Leone’s growing leadership role in advancing social protection and regional cooperation.
