Nigeria is home to 158 million people, the largest population in Africa, and plays a significant role in influencing the political agenda in Africa.
However, a history of political instability combined with religious and ethnic conflict, corruption and mismanagement of oil revenue and public resources, means the majority of Nigeria’s population has seen little progress as a result.
Governance: Nigeria is Africa’s biggest oil producer, yet an estimated 90% of its population lives in poverty. As a direct consequence Nigeria is rated as one of the world’s most corrupt nations. Conflict and discord between religious and ethnic groups prevents a joined up effort to counter these corrupt practices.
Health: Nigeria accounts for one in four of all malaria cases in Africa and with some three million people living with HIV in the country, HIV and malaria combined account for 179,000 deaths in Nigeria every year. The result is more than one million orphaned children. One in five children does not reach their fifth birthday.
Energy poverty: Despite billions of dollars of investment, Nigeria’s power supply is at best sporadic. People suffer from regular blackouts, often with no supply for days, and a compromised energy infrastructure. This has huge cost implications to businesses and affects foreign investment opportunities. With 100 million people living on less than a dollar a day, it is essential for Nigeria’s future that it is given support to develop clean forms of energy available to the poor.
Our work
Our work focuses on ensuring that the most vulnerable and marginalised Nigerians are able to articulate their needs to their government representatives and ensure they are addressed; and helping communities meanwhile to deliver essential services through community led responses.
This is through:
helping communities to reduce the impact of poverty related diseases and care for those affected
looking to develop community-owned renewable energy projects, backed by strong advocacy messages for grassroots energy generation
helping citizens to demand their rights, participate in governance, and hold local and national authorities accountable
Our partners
Through a network of partners with dedicated community volunteers, Christian Aid has in the last five years provided care and support to over 18,000 children orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV, including education, protection, health care and vocational training for older children.
One of these partners, the Centre for Gospel Health and Development (CEGHAD) has distributed over 400,000 nets in Plateau State as part of our malaria prevention and education work. Experts from our partner the International Centre for Energy, Environment and Development (ICEED) were instrumental in providing technical support to Nigeria’s development of a Climate Change Commission Bill to ensure Nigeria can access UNFCCC support for managing, and adapting to, the effects of climatic changes that hit the poorest hardest.
The Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of Onitsha works with 15 communities in five local government areas. It enables communities to come together and hold dialogue sessions with local authorities, promoting transparency and accountability within governance processes.
Further content
Nigeria elections: making votes count - How Christian Aid partners are making sure that votes count in 2011's elections process.
HIV in Nigeria - A slideshow on Christian Aid's work supporting children orphaned and families made vulnerable by HIV.
Flickr gallery NMJD - Muslims and Christians speak out together to counter corruption.
Corruption audio slideshow - Award-winning journalist and radio documentary maker Angela Robson explores the controversial issue of corruption, and highlights what Christian Aid is doing to help.
