On the sidelines of the 45th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, Minister of Human Resources and Social Welfare Mua’tasim Ahmed Salih met with Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Eman Sulaiman Ibrahim, in the presence of the Sudanese and Nigerian ambassadors to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The meeting explored avenues for exchanging expertise, strengthening bilateral cooperation, and building effective partnerships in social protection and women’s empowerment. Salih stressed that Sudan views Nigeria as a strategic African partner, with both countries confronting similarly complex challenges—particularly displacement, social protection, and women’s empowerment in conflict-affected contexts.

Discussions focused on managing social protection programmes amid displacement, including experience-sharing on targeting mechanisms, cash transfer systems, and beneficiary databases, drawing on Nigeria’s advanced expertise in these areas. The talks also addressed women’s economic empowerment, especially in displacement-affected and rural communities, entrepreneurship initiatives, and efforts to combat gender-based violence.

The two sides further examined ways to link social protection with health coverage for women, children, and displaced persons, alongside Nigeria’s experience in social inclusion. A proposal was tabled to launch a joint Sudan–Nigeria programme to empower women in conflict areas, underscoring the need for practical, cooperative solutions to shared challenges.

The meeting concluded with agreement on exchanging visits and experts, establishing a joint technical follow-up team, and initiating the drafting of a memorandum of understanding to formalise cooperation in social protection and women’s empowerment.