Nigeria is rich in oil, gas, and other natural resources, but remains among countries in world with the lowest socio-economic indicators related to poverty, industrialisation and access to basic health, education, water, and other essential services. And despite the recent transition from over 20 years of military rule, including presidential elections in 1999, 2003, and 2007, the country faces tremendous challenges to sustained responsive, transparent and accountable governance.

Oxfam in Nigeria

Oxfam’s first period of operation in Nigeria began in 1965 and was based in Lagos.  During the Nigerian Civil War (1967-70) Oxfam provided humanitarian assistance to both sides in the conflict.  In 1974, Oxfam closed its programme in Nigeria as the war ended and increased resources for development became available from large-scale exploitation of oil reserves in the Niger Delta Region.

In late 2001, Oxfam re-established its programme in Nigeria to support efforts to address the rising incidence of poverty and to respond to the increasing importance of Nigeria’s political, economic and social contributions to the development of West Africa and the continent.  In more than six years under the new programme, Oxfam has been a key partner in bringing people and organisations together to engage governments and institutions in promoting good governance and programmes that address the needs of the poor, particularly women and those engaged in rural agriculture.

Between 2001 and 2006, programming was focused in four areas: agricultural livelihoods, including increased productivity and access to markets; fair trade at both the commodities level and in international agreements with multilaterals such as the European Union, World Trade Organisation; and revenue transparency in the oil extractive industry at national level and with state and local governments in the Niger Delta.

Over the past few years, the country has experienced a growing sense of urgency to realise its potential to meet the basic needs of its people and also be a leading country on pro-poor global change. In an effort to align its key areas for intervention and support with the country’s priorities, Oxfam has developed a five-year National Change Strategy (2008-2013) that will support civil society-government engagement at different levels of government. The strategy also reflects Nigeria’s growing position as an emerging power whose actions have impact beyond its borders, on the lives of poor people in West Africa and the broader continent.

Programmes

Strengthening the livelihoods of small-scale farmers

This three-year EC co-financing project aims to improve the livelihoods of 6,000 small-scale women and men farmers in five states in the middle belt and northern parts of Nigeria –Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kano, and Katsina.

The project recognises opportunities to leverage the important resources of the private sector as a way of making markets work for the poor. Key opportunities are being identified for partnership with the private sector to promote increased agricultural productivity, value addition, competitiveness and marketing of key agricultural products.  The project works with farmers, government, private sector and parliaments on policy reforms, increased investment and budget performance for better support services and increased agricultural productivity and competitiveness.

Growth and employment for poverty reduction

Unemployment is addressed through the promotion of government policy and practices that lead to investment by private industry that creates jobs with incomes that lift substantial numbers of Nigerians out of poverty.The programme uses research, policy analysis, public dialogue and pressure by interest groups to promote increased focus on growth sectors that create jobs for semi-skilled and unskilled labourers.

Other areas of advocacy and campaigning include promoting national and regional policies and practices that increase market access and competitiveness of Nigerian products and services. By working with strategic partners, Oxfam is strengthening the role of industry lobbies, labour, and other stakeholders in informing economic policies and investments, and in promoting understanding and linkages between growth, education, technical training policies, and to address equity and workers rights issues, the programme supports efforts to ensure balance between growth, industry, and fair labour practices (wages, safety, job security).

Enabling effective health systems

Basic health services are made accessible to all Nigerians, especially women and children, through appropriate prioritising of allocations and effective utilisation of resources for health systems.  Governance issues and public involvement are so significant to the country’s poor health indicators that Oxfam’s programme seeks to change the way ordinary citizens and interest groups engage government on health policy and services.

Under the project, Oxfam will develop and disseminate research and analysis on budget and budget performance, health policy and programmes to build awareness and strengthen advocacy. The project will support partners’ consistent engagement and oversight by appropriate health interest groups on key health issues reflecting the government’s national plans and policies, particularly maternal mortality.

Increased women's political leadership

The project promotes women’s political representation and participation in decision-making at all levels of governance as critical to development and democracy, and just given their numbers within the country’s population. Oxfam works with key groups to support a “clearing house” for information on women’s political leadership in the country. Through Civil Society Organisation (CSO) advocacy and campaigning, the project increases public understanding of the implications of women’s limited access to decision-making processes and the attitudes and beliefs that block access through research, public dialogue, and advocacy. The project strengthens key informal networks and coalitions to engage effectively on national, regional, and global initiatives such as affirmative action, political party reform, discriminatory election laws and practices.

To achieve specific policy outcomes, supported CSOs promote the adoption and implementation of specific laws and practices that facilitate entry of women into elected positions.  The work also involve promotion of international accords and best practices related to women’s political leadership and participation in decision making and policy such as the AU Protocol on Women and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Managing extractive resources for growth and equity

This project builds upon Oxfam’s previous programming under British High Commission funding on revenue transparency in the oil extractives sector, governance and resource management in extractives communities in the Niger Delta. The project focuses on measurable results such as increased revenue transparency and specific government services related to the access to primary health care and maternal health services. Local partners and government officials are supported to monitor and oversight both revenues and budget performance on target service delivery and increased responsiveness to citizen’s demands for health services.

Improving support for emergency response

This project aims to strengthen Oxfam International’s support for humanitarian preparedness and response in Nigeria through stronger co-ordination of efforts at national, state, and local levels, and with Oxfam and other international relief agencies. Working with local partners, Oxfam maintains an up-to-date Humanitarian Contingency Plan developed through stakeholder review and monitoring of potential problems related to food and income security, natural disasters and conflicts.

Effective regional leadership on agriculture, trade and other development issues

This project aims to improve benefits for small-scale producers from national, regional and global markets through the strengthening of trade relations and a common agricultural policy within West Africa and between Nigeria, ECOWAS, bi-laterals and multi-laterals such as the EU and World Bank. Oxfam continues to focus on the negotiation capacity of relevant stakeholders in Nigeria, and influencing changes in trade rules and other development assistance to be more favourable to poor countries. As global and regional issues such as extractives, climate change, peace and security emerge; Oxfam plans to work with Nigerian civil society and government to support engagement and dialogue on the country’s positioning and leadership in the region and throughout Africa.

Last updated: April 2008