United Nations in Nigeria

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Nigeria:

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09 January 2023

FG, UN Sign Cooperation Framework 2023-2027, in support of Nigeria’s sustainable development

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Nations system in the country, on Thursday 1 December 2022, signed the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2027, to achieve developmental objectives of ensuring inclusiveness, sustainability and accountability in Nigeria. The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba signed on behalf of the Federal Government while UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, signed for the UN. "The Cooperation Framework is a five-year blueprint towards meeting the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs. But more fundamentally, it is a commitment by the Government and UN to deliver for the people of Nigeria." Schmale explained, "For all of us, the Cooperation Framework details what we shall work together on and how we shall work together. It can be seen as the UN’s response to the Government’s plea to support it in addressing Nigeria’s greatest challenges which have been laid out in the current National Development Plan." He cited the government's aim to, by 2025, create 21 million full-time jobs, lift 35 million people out of poverty, and get 5.5 million out-of-school children back into education. The Minister acknowledged that the Cooperation Framework "is a strategic framework that will assist Nigeria in addressing development and humanitarian challenges, leveraging UN leadership, comparative advantages and capacity assessment." Prince Agba emphasised that the Framework was guided by the overarching principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals and the African Charter 2063 and aligns with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2025, which aims to accelerate economic growth. The highlight of the event was the inauguration of a Steering Committee for the five-year strategic plan

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12 July 2021

Prevention, only ‘sustainable solution’ to conflict, deputy UN chief tells Nigerian law students

Prevention will help us “flatten the curve” of conflict, and thus create space for our conflict management tools, which are currently often overwhelmed”, she said on Thursday, in a lecture delivered at Baze University, in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, entitled: The Use of Ceasefire Agreements In Avoiding Escalation of Armed Conflicts. The Deputy Secretary-General was the guest lecturer at the University’s Faculty of Law Lecture Series. Early intervention UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed addresses the Faculty of Law at Baze University Abuja in Nigeria, by UNIC Lagos/Oluseyi Soremekun According to her, at the heart of this approach is the need to engage early and proactively with a wide range of actors, in particular regional, subregional organizations and civil society, while continuing to make a significant political investment in peace making and conflict resolution across the globe. “Nowhere is this more evident than in Africa, where the UN has established a strategic partnership with the African Union (AU) and the UN Regional Economic Commission (UNECA). The UN has also focused on helping to reinforce national capacities for conflict prevention, with the understanding that prevention is more effective when it is led by national or local actors”, she said. The UN, Ms Mohammed explained further, has put inclusion and the promotion of women’s political participation and youth engagement, at the centre of all efforts towards peace and security. Prioritize gender equality In establishing the role of gender equality in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, Ms. Mohammed emphasized that gender equality must be prioritized, noting that societies that sideline half their populations from political and economic life, leadership and decision-making, will always be vulnerable to conflict. “Efforts that are responsive to the specific needs and rights of women and girls are likely to have more impact and contribute better to sustainable peace.” Added the Deputy Secretary-General. On arrival at the University, she was received by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Tahir Mamman (OON, SAN); Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi; the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Ali Ahmad and other senior management of the University.

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31 March 2020

UN Nigeria Announces COVID-19 Emergency Response for Displaced and Most Vulnerable in North-east Nigeria

The United Nations in Nigeria on Tuesday declared it is taking emergency preparedness and response measures to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus to the most vulnerable crisis-affected people in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. These measures also address immediate humanitarian consequences of the Coronavirus pandemic should it spread to north-east Nigeria. “We will not wait for COVID-19 to reach camps for internally displaced persons before we act. They have already suffered enough from the decade-long conflict and our priority is to ensure the continuous delivery of life-saving assistance, especially health services, to the most vulnerable women, children and the elderly who need special attention,” said Mr Edward Kallon, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria. “More than ever, it is crucial for vulnerable people to have access to not only water, soap, shelters, but also food, education and protection.” Mr. Kallon noted that the UN in Nigeria is supporting the governments of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in developing emergency response plans that take the reality of the living conditions in many communities and IDP camps into account and include specific mitigation measures particularly in overcrowded camps and camp-like settings where the risk of disease outbreaks is higher. The Humanitarian Coordinator highlighted that the United Nations and its humanitarian partners, are actively involved in Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) in IDP sites across the BAY states in support of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Key activities are being implemented jointly in the IDP camps, guided by global guidance on Covid-19 Outbreak Preparedness and Response. “Humanitarian partners are installing hand-washing stations in IDP camps and ensuring supply of clean water. Partners are also distributing soap and teaching women how to produce their own,” Mr. Kallon explained. The United Nations is also planning to bring in vital health equipment and tools to prevent and treat the respiratory virus, which is now affecting over 12 states across Nigeria, with 139 total cases recorded as of 31 March. The UN has developed awareness-raising and prevention messages, leaflets, posters, animations and videos specific for IDPs and other vulnerable people in the north-east. In partnership with major TV and radio channels, it has launched sensitization campaigns across various Nigerian states, reaching millions of Nigerians. The UN is also launching a survey tool with the Network of People Living with HIV (NEPWHAN) to gather specific and arising challenges for people living with HIV on continuous access to quality treatment, care and support in the midst of the response to the outbreak of COVID-19.

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13 March 2020

A Coordinated Response to Coronavirus

On Wednesday, 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the coronavirus (COVID-19) viral disease as a pandemic, but it is a pandemic that can be controlled. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who heads the UN agency, said, in his statement, “Let me be clear: describing this as a pandemic does not mean that countries should give up.” The UN Secretary-General urged all countries to take a comprehensive approach tailored to their circumstances – with containment as the central pillar. COVID-19 is affecting thousands of people, impacting countries’ health systems and having widespread social and economic effects. The UN entities working on development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, are supporting countries in their preparedness and response plans. This page convenes sources of information and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) regarding the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). WHO is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to track the spread and to provide guidance to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak. To stay up to date with the latest information, please visit: World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 Latest news on the United Nations’ response: https://news.un.org/en/events/un-news-coverage-coronavirus-outbreak WHO guidance for countries: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd

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14 August 2021

Young people, Nigeria's greatest and most valuable resource - Edward Kallon

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Edward Kallon, has reaffirmed that young people are Nigeria’s greatest and most valuable resource. "The quality and type of investments made in this human resource by government, determines the trajectory of development and how society can be envisioned in years and decades to come." He said on Thursday, 12 August, at the observance of the International Youth Day organised as part of events marking the 60th Anniversary of the Nigerian Institute of Internal Affairs (NIIA), and in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Lagos. He explained that strategic investment in young people's education, health, security, employment, empowerment, effective civil participation, and overall development carried the potential for demographic dividends. “Nigerian youth” according to Kallon, “are known globally as pacesetters. Not only are they highly skilled and educated, but they are also innovative and entrepreneurial. This country is one of the leading destinations for start-up investments, largely targeting and led by youth.” The UN Resident Coordinator added that Fintech, e-commerce, and the digital economy were all driven by young people. The Director General of NIIA, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, in his welcome address, reiterated that there was hope for Nigerian youths, "and the hope can only be actualised by the youths themselves." He said further to the participants who were mainly undergraduates from four Universities, "As you look for change, see yourselves in the change process. Take note that digitalisation is not an option but a necessity. You must embrace technology and leverage on it to drive change." Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Lawal, commended the management of the NIIA and the United Nations for organising the event to celebrate the youths. He urged young people to embrace Agriculture in their quest for entrepreneurship. Hon. Minister of Youth and Sport Development, Mr Sunday Dare, represented by the Special Assistant ICT and Corporate Relations to the Hon. Minister, Ms. Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola, explained that the youths must be met and engaged within their space.

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13 March 2023

ILO-ACCEL renovates Oke Agunla Community School, enrolls 110 children at risk of child labour

In its commitment to addressing the root causes of child labour and accelerating its elimination in Nigeria through targeted actions in the Cocoa and Artisanal Small scale Gold Mining (ASGM) supply chains, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) under the Accelerating Action for the Elimination of Child Labour in Supply Chains in Africa (ACCEL Africa) project, has completed the renovation of Oke Agunla Community School, Ondo State, and enrolled in school, a total of 110 children at risk of child labour in the community. “Today is a significant show of the importance of education in the elimination of child labour as emphasised in the ILO Convention 182, on the elimination of the worst forms of child labour,” said the Director of the ILO Abuja Country Office for Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, and Liaison office for ECOWAS, Ms. Vanessa Phala, at the handover of the newly renovated L. A. Primary School, Oke Agunla in Ondo State, on 9th March 2023. Phala noted that nearly 28 per cent of children aged 5 to 11 years, and 35 per cent of children aged 12 to 14 years in child labour were out of school. In Nigeria, according to the last National modular child labour survey country report, there are not less than 15 million children working children, with about 6 million in child labour and half the number trapped in hazardous work. “The impact of this indecent exposure of our children to unfair labour practices is visible in our collective safety and development, as out of school children are vulnerable to the negative influences of criminals who take advantage of their innocence to sustain criminal activities from one generation to the next.” She acknowledged. On the reason behind the rehabilitation of the school under the ACCEL Africa project funded by the Government of the Netherlands, the Director explained: “The ACCEL Project supported the enrolment and re-enrolment in school, of 110 children at risk of child labour in Oke Agunla. These children have been provided with back-to-school kits (school bags, textbooks, uniforms, notebooks, sandals, & socks) and we are recording increased interest to attend school. However, this interest in school was dampened by the inadequate situation of the community primary school. It is for this reason that the project decided to contribute to the renovation of this school, to foster school attendance and increase academic performances for the children.” Phala expressed hope that the children of Oke-Agunla would grow up to be the leaders their village desired, as well as the citizens of whom their country could be proud. Representing the Ondo State Government, the Coordinator of Ondo State Operations Coordinating Unit, Mr Olaoluwa Bankole, assured that the government would complement the kind gestures of ILO-ACCEL by addressing the problem of staff shortage in the school. He expressed the appreciation of the Ondo State Government to ILO-ACCEL Africa for the tremendous support to quality education in the state by renovating the Oke Agunla Community School, Ondo State. Speaking, the Regent of Oke Agunla, Her Royal Majesty, Olufunmilayo Olowookere, expressed her deep appreciation to ILO Abuja and ACCEL Africa for the honour bestowed upon the community through renovation of the community school by getting the children back to school and reducing cases of child labour and out-of-school children in the Oke Agunla community. The L. A. Primary School, Oke Agunla, Ondo State, was established in 1955 and has remained the only school in the community to date. However, years of neglect have led to increasing deterioration of the school building, with all the classrooms, except one, without a roof. In no time, parents withdrew their children from the school as the only available classroom for teaching and learning also had leaky roofs and was overcrowded. Representing the Hon. Minister off Labour and Employment, the Director of Inspectorate, Mrs. Olaolu Olaitan, reiterated that Child Labour is a menace that the Federal Government has continued to fight with the support of ILO and the Government of the Netherlands, through the ACCEL Africa Project. She encouraged the pupils of the school and members of Oke Agunla community to make good use of the opportunity presented by the newly renovated school, so that their future would indeed be great. The Head Teacher of the school, Pastor Bello Ayodele, disclosed that the enrolment figure of the school increased after the renovation of six classrooms and eight toilets facilities in the school premises.

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26 February 2023

Hate speech can be both a precursor and a trigger of atrocity crimes – UN warns

The UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, has warned that hate speech, especially if accompanied by policies and practices that discriminate against populations based on their identity often results in hate crimes, discrimination, and violence and can be both a precursor and a trigger of atrocity crimes, in particular genocide. “Countering and addressing hate speech is crucial. In the Holocaust, and the genocides in Rwanda against the Tutsi and in Srebrenica, Bosnia Herzegovina, hate speech and the dehumanization of ‘the other’ was present during, after and long before violence broke out and such crimes were committed.” She said at a press briefing held on 24 February at the UN House in Abuja. Nderitu emphasised that action aimed at countering and addressing hate speech must be at the heart of all prevention efforts. “Indeed, it all begins with words.” She said, “By addressing divisive and harmful language, we can avoid escalation of tensions that could result in violence. Measures to that effect can also help build societies that are resilient and inclusive.” She explained that her role as Under Secretary General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide was not to decide whether Genocide, had taken or is taking place. “This is the responsibility of independent courts of justice that have the jurisdiction to make those judgements,” she informed, “Our focus is on prevention of genocide and related crimes, detecting risk factors with the objective of mitigating and deescalating them.” She informed. On the 2023 elections in Nigeria, the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide noted that election season in Nigeria had witnessed a surge in the use of inflammatory language, hateful and divisive rhetoric, and such hate speech was amplified at an unprecedented rate by digital technology. Nderitu said further, “We know that the impact of hate speech makes those targeted more vulnerable to violence, exposes them to exclusion and discrimination, exacerbates underlying social and economic inequalities, and undermines social cohesion. We know too that hate speech particularly impacts on women differently as is often evidenced by their absence from political spaces. It also contributes to polarizing communities along identity lines, hampering dialogue and reconciliation.” The United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser of Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide Alice Wairimu Nderitu is on an official visit to Nigeria this week ahead of the 25 February general elections, and she has met with government authorities, political leaders, representatives of civil society, traditional and religious leaders, and members of the international community for a better understanding of developments and views in the country. She called on the media to play their invaluable role during electoral processes in educating, informing, raising awareness, and alerting on situations at risk, and countering narratives of hatred and segregation with verified facts. The Under-Secretary-General acknowledged the work done by “my UN colleagues in the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) led by Deputy SRSG Giovanni Biha and the UN Country Team in Nigeria led by Resident Coordinator Matthias Schmale in supporting Nigeria towards a peaceful election.”

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13 February 2023

Election violence starts with divisive statements and hate speech – UN warns

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria Matthias Schmale, has warned that election violence often started with divisive statements and hate speech, and therefore, urged all candidates and their supporters in the forth-coming general elections to eschew violence, promote peace and be issue-based in their campaigns. “Electoral violence undermines inclusive electoral processes, especially with regard to rule of law and human rights including women’s participation.” Schmale noted on 11 February 2023, at the high-level consultations with key stakeholders and signing of Enugu State Peace Accord ahead of the 2023 General Elections, organised by the National Peace Committee, The Kukah Centre, the United Nations, and the Enugu State Peace Committee. He emphasized that it was important to include and maximize the presence of religious and traditional leaders as well as active civil society organisations, including women and youth groups in Enugu State, who could disseminate messages promoting peaceful elections all the way down to the state’s 17 local government areas. The Resident Coordinator acknowledged that “We know that peaceful elections in Nigeria start with peaceful elections in Local Government Areas and the States. Enugu must claim its status as one of the prominent states in the nation where peace reigns and where political differences and intolerance are managed through non-violent means.” He warned that the reputation of Enugu would be at stake if violence and insecurity were to take hold in the state before, during, or after the elections. “Members of the Enugu State Peace Architecture and other stakeholders are already engaged in promoting social cohesion and enhancing the role of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.” He added, “I would like to pledge the continued support of the UN for these efforts. “ Representing the National Peace Committee, Emmanuel Nkanka, read out the draft Peace Accord which was also projected on the screen for all participants to see, and urged all candidates and political parties to live by the letters and spirit of the peace accord they signed. At the event were the Chairman of Enugu State Peace and Development Outreach, HRH Igwe John Azubuike Ibe, Mr. Emmanuel Nkanta, project manager, National Peace Committee, representing the Head of Secretariat, Rev. Fr Atta Barkindo and the Chairman, Abdulsalam Abubakar. The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Ammani, assured that the police, in active collaboration with other security agencies, would continue to work very hard to maintain security before, during and after the elections. The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Enugu State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, confirmed that his office had received assurances from the security agencies in Enugu State that INEC facilities and personnel would be fully secured before, during and after the elections. Speaking on voting procedures, he said that “No PVC, No accreditation, and without accreditation, No voting.”

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13 February 2023

UN discusses how to accelerate achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with Political Parties

The United Nations in Nigeria has discussed with representatives of ten registered political parties how to accelerate Nigeria’s achievement of Agenda 2030 and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)s. UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, thanked the representatives of political parties at the meeting for their time and commitment. “With attendees from across the political spectrum, this is a promising sign for the commitment of Nigeria to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - whatever the outcome of the upcoming elections,” he noted. Schmale recalled that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted in the UN General Assembly in 2015 by 193 member states including Nigeria. “Together, this set of 17 interconnected goals sets out a vision for a secure world free from poverty and hunger, with full and productive employment, access to quality education and universal health coverage, the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, and an end to environmental degradation,” said the UN Resident Coordinator. In summarizing the rich discussion and substantial contributions from all participants, the UN Resident Coordinator noted that mainstreaming the SDGs into Party manifestoes and government plans is a good step towards rescuing the SDGs; expressed appreciation that all Parties advocated for a focus on education, climate change related action and renewable energy, social justice and protection, eradication of poverty, and gender equality; and recognised that Nigeria has much wealth in the form of its entrepreneurial citizens and natural resources. Against this background increasing domestic resource mobilization for government services and ensuring impactful spending is critical. He further stated the importance of making the Federal system work better by revisiting and refining roles and responsibilities between the federal Government, State Governors and LGAs. Schmale concluded that the above points provide a good basis for further proactive engagement of the UN with the government and other critical stakeholders including Paries at both national and state levels beyond elections. The roundtable was attended by Action Alliance (AA); Africa Action Congress (AAC); Action Democratic Party (ADC); Boot Party; Labour Party; National Rescue Movement (NRM); People's Redemption Party (PRP); Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Social Democratic Party (SDP); and Young Progressive Party (YPP).

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13 February 2023

UN, Diplomatic Community restate commitment to peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in Nigeria

The United Nations in Nigeria and members of the diplomatic community have restated their commitment to supporting Nigeria in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections. This commitment was given at the first quarterly briefing of the diplomatic community convened by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Matthias Schmale, at the UN House on Wednesday, 8 February 2023. The UN Resident Coordinator underscored the importance of peaceful and credible elections for the consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy and that of the African region, and expressed concern on the possible adverse effects on the forthcoming elections of fuel scarcity, implementation challenges of the currency redesign and exchange process, and violence. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Schmale noted, had made some significant progress in preparing and administering elections, and “we need to acknowledge the significance of this. At the same time, INEC is facing some challenges for instance around logistics, power supply, employing and deploying the right personnel at the right time.” The UN Resident Coordinator expressed concern about some strong statements of intolerance and hate speech across party lines in public space and urged all political parties and their candidates to exercise caution and to adhere to the terms of the peace accord they have signed. On the UN Strategic Development Cooperation Framework signed with the government of Nigeria, Schmale explained that it was imperative for the UN to support the government in accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Amongst other transformative initiatives, he emphasised the importance of domestic resource mobilization, private sector investment and conducive business environment as critical success factors in moving the needle in achieving greater prosperity for all in Nigeria. Speaking on climate change, the Resident Coordinator reaffirmed the reality of climate change and its impact in Nigeria and called on the international community to support accelerated climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. “Last year’s devastating flood episodes and the Cholera outbreak have shown that humanitarian crises are not limited to the North-East alone. Therefore, we need to support the government in addressing humanitarian challenges outside the North-East.” He added.

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Press Release

19 March 2023

UN condemns killing of children and women in Zangon Kataf, Kaduna State

Abuja, 18 March 2023 - The United Nations is deeply disturbed by the recent spate of violence in some parts of the country. Earlier this week, several innocent women and children were killed in Zangon Kataf, Local Government Area of Kaduna State. What is alarming is the barbaric and senseless killings of young children including a young boy who was abducted and murdered in the most brutal manner in the LGA. This spate of violence comes soon after another series of violent incidents where numerous of people including children were killed in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue state. The UN strongly condemns these attacks, which have resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, including children, some of whom were toddlers, women, and men. We are also deeply concerned that people continued to be killed and injured in subsequent attacks. We urge groups involved in the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and refrain from attacking innocent civilians, especially women and children who have nothing to do with the conflict. We also call for a lasting solution to be found that will provide a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the conflict. The UN Resident Coordinator for Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, said, "these atrocities must not continue unchecked. The UN stands with the government and people of Nigeria in their efforts to bring an end to this senseless violence, bring to justice perpetrators and ensure that all citizens are protected and able to live in peace and security." “We call on all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution to this violence and to respect the sanctity of human life. The UN remains committed to supporting the government and people of Nigeria in their quest for a peaceful and prosperous nation”, he added.

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Press Release

19 March 2023

UN condemns killing of children and women in Zangon Kataf, Kaduna State

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Press Release

01 September 2021

Applications open next week for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, the graduate employment initiative by the Federal Government and UNDP

Applications will open September 6th for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), H.E, President Muhammadu Buhari announced today at the Aso Rock Villa. The NJFP is an initiative led by the Federal Government of Nigeria, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU), to match 20,000 highly skilled graduates annually with yearlong job placements in public and private sectors across multiple industries. The programme is open to graduates and organisations that fit the requirements found here. In attendance at the official launch was the Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, His Excellency, Mr. Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo CON. Other development partners who attended the event included the Chargé d'Affaires a.i Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, His Excellency, Alexandre Borges Gomes, United Nations Resident Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon and the UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Mohamad Yahya. According to one 2019 estimate, about 25 million graduates remain unemployed across the country. The NJFP aims to create a channel between graduates and industry, to help address this employment gap by identifying the emerging skills that companies need most, while guiding graduates to be more prepared for a constantly evolving work environment. In his remarks, H.E President Muhammadu Buhari said, “An important part of our policies and strategies is to focus on employment and creating opportunities for young Nigerians. The Jubilee Fellows Programme will create new opportunities for 20,000 recent graduates annually and I encourage all eligible Nigerians to apply. I also urge private and public sector organizations across the country to join us by providing work placement opportunities, mentors, and funding to support the program. I thank the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union for their support on this vital initiative”. The NJFP will champion homegrown Nigerian talent and opportunities by connecting organizations directly to graduates. The pandemic has changed our lives in many ways and made it even more difficult for young graduates entering the job market as well as for organizations looking for new talent. Through the NJFP, both graduates and organizations will get a boost in a changing post-COVID job landscape. In his remarks, the Chargé d'Affaires a.i at the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Alexandre Borges Gomes said: “The EU sees itself as being at the forefront of promoting youth focused, and youth led, development. We see the young as change-makers, essential to the implementation of the Development Agenda and stand ready to assist Nigeria in keeping the young as an asset. This is why we are committing to support the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme.” This fellowship is designed to help fresh NYSC graduates with zero work experience, who often find it challenging to break into the professional world. The long-term goal would be for the Fellows to feel that they are playing a meaningful part in growing the private and public sector landscape, helping to shape the future of Nigeria. “Through the Jubilee Fellows Programme, young Nigerians will access skills that will help them to navigate in an evolving job market. By creating a channel between graduates and companies, the programme will help identify the emerging skills that companies need most, while guiding graduates to be more prepared to make impact, influence decisions and re-imagine future-proof skills” said UNDP Resident Representative Mohamed Yahya. “We look forward to seeing the inspiring young talent of this country leverage this programme to continue to make positive change and impact in their communities”. Applications for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellowship Programme will open on the NJFP website on September 6, 2021. For more information on NJFP, visit the website here. You can also watch the recording of the launch event on the Aso Rock Youtube page. [1] Babalobi, B. Nigeria - Why Graduates Are Unemployed and Unemployable. AllAfrica. Retrieved 30 Aug 2021.

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Press Release

16 March 2021

North-East Nigeria: US$1 billion needed to address the humanitarian needs of 6.4 million people in 2021

Abuja, 16 March 2021- Ongoing conflict continues to be the main driver of humanitarian needs in northeast Nigeria, where millions of people have been displaced. Longstanding insecurity and violence, compounded by climate change, and the impact of Covid-19 are increasing the vulnerability of close to nine million people. Close to two million people are internally displaced, while millions of people depend on humanitarian partners for basic services, and up to 5.1 million people are facing hunger in the lean season – the worst outlook in four years. The humanitarian community and the Government of Nigeria officially launched the north-east Nigeria Humanitarian Response Plan for 2021 earlier today. The plan requests US$1 billion to enable partners to provide critical services to the 6.4 million most vulnerable people - amongst a total of 8.7 million people in need of some form of humanitarian assistance in 2021. “The humanitarian crisis in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, unfortunately, remains one of the largest in the world and continues to have a profound impact on Nigeria and its people, causing untold suffering and deprivation for millions of vulnerable women, men and children. The year 2021 marks the twelfth year of the conflict and the sixth year of the international community working together with the Government of Nigeria to provide humanitarian support,” said the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon. “Last year was a challenging year for vulnerable people in north-east Nigeria.
It was a year marked by a new reality, the COVID-19 pandemic. The socio-economic impact of the pandemic has already diminished the resilience of millions of people, increasing the fragility of those who were already extremely vulnerable,” he added. “The requirements for this 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan reflect a growing need, while we know that the available resources will very likely not be commensurate with those needs”, said the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq. “We are facing additional challenges in terms of security and access for humanitarian partners, which is why we have developed the National Humanitarian Development Peace Framework”, she added.
A combination of escalating conflict, displacement, and disruption to and loss of livelihoods due to COVID19 restrictions, could lead to hunger for millions of Nigerians living in the north-east. As many as 5.1 million people are threatened by acute hunger during the upcoming lean season – the worst outlook in four years. The humanitarian community remains committed to working closely with the Government of Nigeria and local communities to reduce protection risks, provide basic services, including shelter, health, water and sanitation, education, as well as food and nutrition and, moreover, livelihood opportunities. The operation will increasingly seek to identify longer-term or durable solutions for those displaced, restoring dignity, self-reliance and hope for a better future, where possible. “The main thrust of the operation in 2021 will continue to be providing lifesaving and life-sustaining support to people who are displaced, host communities, and others that are affected by the humanitarian crisis”, said Mr. Kallon. “This includes improving the living conditions in camps through decongestion and enhancing the quality of services. We will continue to prioritize prevention, development where feasible and humanitarian assistance where needed. A durable framework to find solution to the crisis in north east Nigeria must promote and implement the humanitarian, development and peace nexus,” he added. “In 2020 the Government took major steps to strengthen its coordination and leadership role and structures at federal and state levels to bring better coherence to addressing humanitarian needs, while laying the foundation for stabilization and development of conflict-affected states,” said the Honourable Minister. “One of these steps includes the inauguration of the National Humanitarian Coordination Committee, which is the highest national advisory body to guide humanitarian activities in the country,” she added. In 2020, only 55 per cent of the required funding for the Humanitarian Response Plan was secured notwithstanding the additional needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic, recording the lowest funding level since the beginning of the joint response. Nevertheless, humanitarian partners reached over five million people with potentially lifesaving services despite funding shortfalls, security challenges and movement restrictions caused by the ongoing violence and the COVID-19 pandemic. Malnutrition was averted for over two million children through their provision with fortified nutritious foods to address or prevent malnutrition, and two million people were reached with protection services, including sexual and gender-based violence prevention and response, enhanced mine awareness, and support in addressing housing land and property concerns. For further information, please contact:
Sandy MAROUN, Public Information Officer, OCHA Nigeria, (+234) 906 227 7205, sandy.maroun@un.org

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