Where We Work

Nigeria

Context

Nigeria is currently ranked 8 on the Global Terrorism Index of 2023.  In the northeast of the country, Boko Haram suffered setbacks this year with the killing of its leader, while in the northwest, both Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa expanded their presence and influence, building ties with local communities, criminal gangs, and herder-affiliated militia.

A number of security operations to crack down on the myriad of security challenges are ongoing, with the military currently deployed in 30 of the country’s 36 states. However, successes to date have been hard won and communities remain at risk from rising insecurity.

Kaduna, Katsina and Sokoto States have been badly affected by violence in communities, kidnapping, cattle rustling, attacks in farms and markets close to the ungoverned forest areas. GCERF grantees in these states report a marked increase in the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) and street children.   While ActionAid Nigeria reported no increase in violence in Kano State due to the proactive nature of the government several years ago in establishing early warning systems (which the programme has built upon) and using technology in the ungoverned forest areas.

Country Statistics

Country Statistics

STORIES FROM THE GROUND

Empowering communities and fostering trust with PVE trainings

The Women Safe Spaces Programme empowered women to talk about the challenges they face. Girls were not allowed to go to school, but now there is a lot of awareness and women are bringing out their children and allowing them to go to school.

Inclusion of women will bring a lasting solution to violence.

– Aisha, a participant of the Safe Space Programme in Nigeria 

Pathways to Change

GCERF funds initiatives to prevent violent extremism in communities to foster peaceful coexistence and social cohesion. This is done by supporting peacebuilding initiatives, conflict resolution systems and platforms for inter-communal dialogue. The core constituencies in Nigeria are youth, women, local religious leaders, traditional leaders and authorities.

Among the range of activities that GCERF funds in Nigeria, GCERF supports grantees to:

  • Raise awareness on the dangers of violent extremism.
  • Build a sense of purpose for community members.
  • Share positive alternative narratives to violent extremism.
  • Train youth on business development and entrepreneurship.
  • Organise policy dialogues on preventing violent extremism.
  • Build capacity of security agencies and voluntary organisations.
  • Host women’s conferences and cultural events for peace.
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9,000,000 people reached through radio programmes on PVE and social cohesion.  

4,460 young people graduated from Youth Peace Camps. 

629,179 targeted young people sensitised on the effects of violent extremism and the need for peaceful co-existence. 

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1,950 young peace camp participants working as peace agents. 

1,281 people attended policy dialogues with government stakeholders on youth engagement and inclusion in governance.

1,277  local religious, tradtional and administrative leaders who successfully completed training on PVE. 

04 communities with established and functional Community Action and Response Teams (CART).

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10,531 targeted women reported improved social and economic conditions to reduce their vulnerability. 

2,700 young people empowered through income generating activities.

1,614 young people trained on vocational skills through trainings. 

1,018 people trained on entrepreneurship of which 509 are women. 

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11,775 people participated in peace fiestas and walks with the message of peace and unity. 

11,700 people participated in safe spaces.  

78 safe space clubs established. 

2141 women reached through women conferences on PVE. 

6,499 people trained on PVE, conflict resolution and community early warning system

Community Agency

21,000 community members participated in activities including:

  • 400 women were trained on peacebuilding and conflict prevention, and then visited schools to engage with more than 2,500 youth to advocate for these issues
  • 600 youth engaged in self-organised peacebuilding activities after participating in GCERF-funded programmes
  • 6,340 community stakeholders (including civil society leaders, community-based organisations, and NGOs) participated in advocacy meetings and community consultations

Equal Access to Opportunities

4,800 vulnerable individuals participated in activities designed to increase their access to social and economic opportunities.

3,000 youth gained technical vocational skills, and 1,700 women were trained and supported

100 percent of the 268 young men and young women who received vocational training and support successfully gained employment after the GCERF-funded programme

1,062 young men and young women participated in the Basic Business Training Workshop and received a start-up grant after three months

549 women were successfully linked with financial institutions to access credit

110 individuals who were victims of farmer-herder violence – a conflict that has been exploited by violent extremist groups – received support to rebuild their livelihoods

Sense of Purpose

5,080 participants participated in activities including:

  • 1,271 youth participated in a three-month programme on providing peer support and conflict mitigation, guided by a unique bespoke curriculum
  • 517 students participated in creative clubs established in 8 secondary schools
  • 1,709 youth participated in youth peace camps focusing on changing youth perceptions of violence; 50 percent of participating youth went on to serve as volunteer peace agents in their communities

Factsheet

Factsheet

Local Partners in Nigeria <br>

Local Partners in Nigeria

PARTNER IN OUR WORK

Invest in the
Future of Nigeria

Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals

Peace, Justice & Strong Institution

Peace, Justice & Strong Institution

No Poverty

Quality Education

Quality Education

Gender Equality

Gender Equality

Decent Work & Economic Growth

Decent Work & Economic Growth

Reduced Inequalities

Reduced Inequalities

Partnership for The Goals

Partnership for The Goals

These goals are based on those set forward in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nation Member States in 2015