Nigeria

Where We Work

Nigeria

Context

Nigeria is currently ranked 8 on the Global Terrorism Index of 2024. 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.

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 programmes in Nigeria engage 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.

I want more knowledge for myself and I want to train people. I want to change the bad characters to a good character because I have been into the other side and now I am on this side. I know the benefit of it and I really want to share the knowledge with everyone.

– Saidu, A participant of the computer training in Nigeria

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