Cooperation Program Nigeria

Background information

With 224 million inhabitants, Nigeria is the most populous African country and has the largest economy in Africa. However, the country faces a number of challenges. The jihadist organization Boko Haram, which mainly operates in the north-east, has been carrying out attacks on villages, towns and civilians since 2009, destroying houses, churches, schools, stores, wells and fields, destroying crops, abducting and killing women, men and children. Those who can, flee from the attacks. Around 12.5 million people in the large region around Lake Chad are affected by the resulting crisis and need humanitarian aid. In Nigeria alone, more than 2.5 million people are on the run. Many of the displaced people are unable to return to their home villages even after years due to the ongoing insecurity. In addition, the country is facing a new wave of inter-ethnic and inter-religious violence as well as nationwide attacks and kidnappings for ransom. Widespread poverty and unemployment, a low level of education and environmental problems are further challenges facing the population. In this context, Mission 21 and its local partner organizations and churches in Nigeria are pursuing projects in the areas of emergency aid and reconstruction, education and livelihood security as well as peacebuilding.  

Program Goals

• The survival of people affected by humanitarian disasters is ensured and their living conditions improved.
• People traumatized by disasters have psychosocial support.
• People affected by conflict and humanitarian disasters are empowered to respond effectively to and manage crises.
• Dialogue between Christians and Muslims and joint activities contribute to peaceful coexistence.
• Social leaders become drivers of reconciliation and positive social change.
• Women and young people have access to basic education and vocational training and their social and economic role is strengthened.
• The entrepreneurial skills of vulnerable people are strengthened and secured through start-up funding.
• Natural resources are used sustainably and efficiently and the environment is protected from pollution.
• The competence of the partner organizations is strengthened and the quality and results of the projects they are responsible for are improved.

Projects of the cooperation program

• Education
• 162,1002 Education for the future in Nigeria
• 162,1006 Education for social change in Nigeria
• 162,1030 Education for sustainable ecological development in Nigeria

• Peacebuilding
• 162,1007 Interreligious peacebuilding in Nigeria

• Program development and coordination
• 162,1010 Program development and coordination in Nigeria

• Humanitarian action
• 162,1012 Humanitarian aid in Nigeria

• Capacity Development for Good Governance
• 162.1011 Capacity development: Strengthened partner organizations and churches in Nigeria

On site

Since October 2015, Dr. Yakubu Joseph, a trained sociologist and peace researcher, has been working as Mission 21's country coordinator in Nigeria. His tasks as country coordinator include accompanying and providing technical support to partner organizations and networking with local actors. In addition, Dr. Joseph is responsible for quality assurance in the field and advises Mission 21 partner organizations in Africa in the areas of peacebuilding and security.