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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22 July 2021

The boy who wouldn’t quit

The first time 13-year-old Ali Umar experienced profound loss, it seemed to shatter his life right down to its roots. A few years later, when two of his younger siblings died of illness in an IDP camp in Maiduguri, north-east Nigeria, the events washed over Umar like light rain. The teenager had grown stoic. Sitting on a mat in a UNICEF-supported radio learning centre in the community of Galtimari, Umar recalls his first incidence of pain, when his father was killed while working on his farmland in Alau, a small community 20km outside Maiduguri in Borno State. Ironically, the family of two wives and ten children had relocated from their ancestral community of Kayamla to Alau to escape unending attacks and counterattacks by armed groups and government forces. But it was in Alau that the chickens came home to roost. “I was his first son; we were very close,’’ says Umar, two large teardrops suddenly escaping his hooded eyes. The teenager sobs quietly, his anguish drowned out by the loud chatter of children playing outside the radio learning centre. Like Umar, they also bear deep scars of the twelve-year conflict. The radio club hosts some of the most vulnerable children in the world. Some born during the conflict have never experienced peace, while those born before it have lost nearly everything - including a normal childhood. The crisis has seen tens of thousands of children orphaned, separated from their families, enlisted into armed groups, exposed to hunger and infection, and missing out on school. UNICEF is helping Umar and other internally displaced children in the school cope with the trauma of the conflict. With support from the German Financial Cooperation project with UNICEF (KfW), teachers and members of the school-based management committee have been trained to provide psychosocial support to the children. UNICEF also provides learning materials and radio clubs to the Galtimari community, strengthening the quality of education for the children. Three times a week, Umar attends a radio learning club. UNICEF is helping vulnerable children across the state with community-based radio clubs, learning materials, pre-recorded literacy and numeracy lessons, hygiene facilities and graduate tutors. Umar’s journey to the UNICEF school and to this UNICEF-supported radio class was a new beginning for him. He arrived in Maiduguri on foot with his family in early 2014 and joined dozens of other IDPs who had already taken shelter at the Galtimari school. Prior to his arrival, abductions of school children and grisly attacks on schools had forced the state government to shut them down indefinitely. The school was subsequently repurposed by the state government as an IDP camp, to shelter people fleeing the suburbs into Maiduguri. It remained so for nearly two years. When schools were finally reopened, the legion of IDPs inhabiting schools were relocated to other sites in town. “I stayed behind with Garba Mohammed, who was the chairman of IDPs at the school. One of the watchmen of the school died around that time and Mohammed replaced him. He introduced me to the headmaster and enrolled me in school. He has been responsible for me since 2015. I am grateful to him because he reduced the burden on my mother,’’ says Umar. Today, Umar and three other orphaned boys live in a converted office sandwiched between two classrooms. The boys keep their sparse belongings in a corner of the room, under a white mosquito net. The room is mostly dark, except for the door and a small window that provides some ventilation. Last April, the boys abandoned sleeping in the room for the airier veranda, to escape the stifling night heat that can reach temperatures of 45 degrees centigrade. Even at the tender age of 13, Umar sees beyond his troubles. Already, he is training to become a power generator engineer in his spare time and has even bigger goals in mind. “If Allah wishes it, all will be well with me. My goal is to be the governor of this state. I would like to put everything in order in the villages so that people can return to a better life,’’ he says with a broad smile.

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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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19 January 2022

UNICEF’s women drivers at the forefront of delivering for children in North-East Nigeria

Whenever she drives around the city of Maiduguri, north-east Nigeria, her eyes fixed on the road, Vivian Ahmed, 39, commands attention. Ahmed, a mother of three is one of a small but growing group of female drivers employed by UNICEF in Nigeria. Driving from meetings with officials to communities and to camps for internally displaced people around Maiduguri, Ahmed happily facilitates UNICEF’s mission to promote and support the wellbeing of conflict-affected children in north-east Nigeria by ensuring that humanitarians have smooth access to people displaced by the ongoing conflict and the communities that often host them, until solutions can be found. When her journey started early in 2021, the former businesswoman doubted the humanitarian community could employ a female driver. “At first, I was surprised that UNICEF would employ a female driver,’’ said Ahmed from her desk in UNICEF’s Maiduguri Field Office. “This gender equality campaign is lifesaving. My family, especially my father and husband, know I love driving. Whenever we went out as a family, I would always be the person to drive. “Shortly before I applied for the job, my husband had serious health challenges and his treatment wiped out our savings. Our children barely had food to eat. When I got this job, my friends were happy for me because they knew I would be providing for my family,’’ said Ahmed. “It is reassuring that a woman can work as a driver and still care for her family. Because I love driving and I love children, life has been better than when I was doing other businesses,” said Ahmed. UNICEF’s focus on recruiting female drivers in Nigeria was deliberate. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the current global labour force participation rate is 75 per cent for men and 49 per cent for women. In Nigeria, the labour force’s participation rate is 60 per cent for men, and 50 per cent for women. Phuong T. Nguyen, UNICEF’s Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, said women deserve equal opportunities in all job categories. “Women have a right to sit at every table. The question is if there is a level playing field for them to access these opportunities, both in the public and private sectors,” said Nguyen. “Children benefit the most when women are empowered. We have evidence that empowered women raise healthier children and are able to take informed decisions that benefit their children,” said Nguyen. Indeed, research has linked women’s empowerment with better cognitive development, growth and improved nutritional status of children. In north-east Nigeria, UNICEF routinely addresses adolescent girls and female-headed households with capacity building, and vocational and cash support enabling them to take decisions such as enrolling their girls and boys in school and improving their nutritional and health status. In Adamawa, UNICEF recently trained 6,000 women on the use of the mid-upper arm circumference tape to enable them to detect malnutrition in their children and refer them quickly for often lifesaving treatment. Last September, UNICEF launched a pilot cash assistance programme for 12,403 internally displaced families, including female-headed households, to enable them to buy essential non-food items. Across the north-east, UNICEF has worked with the state education agencies to support over 8,000 female adolescents and other conflict-affected women with vocational skills for self-reliance. For Ahmed, a genuine love for driving motivated her application for her new job. This view is shared by Mercy Shooto Jayeola, another new female driver at the UNICEF Maiduguri Field Office. Jayeola is also happy her new job allows her to meet and connect with people. “I first learned to drive a car at a young age. I later got professional training, and I've been driving ever since. Driving is a hobby for me. So, when I saw an opportunity to serve an organisation with goals I care about, I jumped at the chance,” she said. But it took more than a love for driving and adventure for Jayeola to relocate from the Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, to Maiduguri, the epicentre of a protracted armed conflict that has ravaged north-east Nigeria for more than a decade. It took commitment. The stereotypical perception that driving is a man’s job did was also a challenge. “Some people were happy for me, while others felt driving was a man's job. But I have met many women who were so inspired by my story that they also started commercial driving as a way to earn money for their families. Others frowned at the idea and tried to dissuade me. “In all, my family have been very supportive. My dad, for instance, calls me almost daily to say prayers and encourage me. I love that I get to take people to their destinations and engage them in meaningful conversation,” said Jayeola. After three months on the job, Ahmed said concerns for her safety from family members have been fully dispelled. “Working in Borno has been easy, because UNICEF provides all safety measures as well security training for all staff members, so I am not afraid working in an emergency duty station with UNICEF. People are always surprised and excited when I come to pick them up at the airport and they realise that the driver is a woman. They are happy that the world is changing. Hopefully more women will do this,” said Ahmed.

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19 January 2022

Stand up to ensure dignity and justice for women and girls—Kallon

As the 16 days of activism to end gender-based violence kicked off on 25 November, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator of the UN system in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, has urged everyone to stand up to ensure dignity and justice for the most marginalised, especially women and girls. He spoke at the UN Women Nigeria Programme on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act: From Domestication to Implementation, held at Fraiser Suites Abuja on Thursday, 25 November. “Now, more than ever, we must ensure to always say no to violence against women and girls. Lets stand together to ensure dignity and justice for women.” Mr. Kallon said, and further called for synergy on the implementation of the VAPP Act. “Women and girls continue to be exposed to various forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and barriers in access to justice. We must use this opportunity to review the success of the implementation of the VAPP through strategic partnership, sensitization and promotion of women leadership in decision making.” He explained. The Resident Coordinator charged all stakeholders to continue to build on the foundation of the transformation and realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria and the 2030 target. The First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu expressed her delight that finally the VAPP Act has been passed into law in Kebbi. She disclosed that it was not a smooth sail for the VAPP Act as there were many challenging moments for the Governor, herself, and the leadership of the House of Assembly, but at the end there was a desired result. Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu, noted that all the 36 state of Nigeria and the FCT, have been very active in addressing issue of sexual and gender based violence. “In terms of awareness, in terms of creating more facilities, in terms of capacity building, passing the appropriate laws, we have seen an unprecedented increase in the activities that will help reduce the scourge of sexual and gender base violence.” She added. UN Women Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Comfort Lamptey, explained that there was need for more efforts to address gender related violence especially in North-East Nigeria and other parts of the country which had being facing challenges of insecurity . She explained that “UN Women supported efforts to respond to the humanitarian crisis in the North East through targeted programming around livelihood support and early recovery for women and girls; a broader transition from humanitarian relief to longer-term recovery and development; GBV prevention and protection for conflict-affected women and girls; and the improvement of conflict-affected women’s access to justice.”

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28 November 2021

From despair to hope and aspiration

Despite being affected by protracted conflict from a young age, 20-year-olds Amina Usman and Mohammed Aji Goni are now taking charge of their lives using vocational skills provided by the Borno State Agency for Mass Education (BOSAME), in collaboration with UNICEF. Amina used to attend school. But following the deaths of her two older brothers and two uncles during the armed conflict wracking north-east Nigeria for more than 10 years now, she was warned to abandon school or face the same fate as her loved ones. Afraid for her safety, she dropped out in her first class in secondary school. As the crisis deepened, her father was laid off from his security job, forcing them to sell their once comfortable home and move to their current home in one of the many IDP camps in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. But while life in an IDP camp has been a struggle, things are now looking up for Amina, as she is one of the 15,552 young people now equipped with vocational skills through a partnership between BOSAME and UNICEF, with funding from a three-year European Union education intervention project in north-east Nigeria. She now earns about 15,000 naira (about 30 US dollars) monthly from the sales of snacks and local drinks she produces. “With the money I earn from this business, my family and I survive – I can buy food and other basic needs. Just the day before yesterday, I gave my father 5,000 naira to support his farming business,” - Amina Usman It’s a similar story for Mohammed, the oldest of seven siblings, who along with his family was displaced when he was 10 years old due to armed conflict. While he had never attended school, he used to assist his father in farming, rearing animals and selling farm products and other goods. After moving from one transit camp to another, he and his family finally settled in Bakassi camp, one of the largest in Maiduguri, which accommodates thousands of displaced people from five local government authorities. When Mohammed enrolled in school, his father, who was also supporting two wives and six other children, struggled to pay the fees. So when the golden opportunity from UNICEF and BOSAME to learn a vocation presented itself, Mohammed and many others jumped at it. Today, Mohammed is a cobbler and earns between 6,000 and 15,000 naira each month. “It feels good to be able to support my family. For the Eid holiday, I gave my parents and siblings 6,000 naira each for food and new clothes. This I could never have done before” - Mohammed Idris For these young entrepreneurs, a challenge has been the lack of start-up funds. However, the 9,000 naira lump sum provided by the program to augment transportation costs for trainees provided a solution for eager participants, who instead used it to buy materials and begin production. Realizing this, BOSAME began linking skilled trainees with business owners within the metropolis. This has a gone a long way in helping Mohammed earn a regular income. He now keeps his boss’s rented space, managing shoe and bag repairs. In his free time, his boss allows him to use his machines and tools to produce new shoes and to display them in his boss’s shop for sale. For others who are not as fortunate as Mohammed, a different strategy is employed. “We have told our instructors to provide access to all young persons trained by us for free. All they need to do is present their certificate and they can access the trainings centers and equipment to produce their products and sell,” said Umar Lawan, BOSAME UNICEF Focal Officer. Today, the once bleak future of these young adults has taken a turn for the better. Mohammed now pays his schools fees with ease and is currently enrolled in Primary 5. “I will be enrolling my siblings to join me in my school soon,” he said. Amina, on the other hand, is currently studying to be a teacher at the Borno College for Legal and Islamic Studies and is paying for studies so that three of her siblings can remain in school.

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28 November 2021

Community-based reintegration project opens new horizons to unemployed youth and returnees in Edo State

For many years, Edo State has been widely known as an origin state of young people migrating to Europe. Despite the strong commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to tackle irregular migration, Nigeria, and particularly Edo state is widely known for its high rate of irregular migration among young people. Data available from the EU-IOM joint initiative provides that Edo state accounts for 37% of the total number of returned migrants under the project since 2017 when it started. The inability of the returnees to attain the desired standard of living paired with economic challenges are contributing to irregular migration out of the state. Returning migrants often do not have jobs or sources of livelihood waiting for them. Even if a few returnees could be employed in the sector in which they worked prior to their departure, many others are unable to either secure jobs or create their own income generating activity. Another factor associated with this, is that most of the returning migrants have primary level education with little or no skills prior to migrating and therefore have little opportunities for employment. On the other hand, graduate migrants who are likely to be employed often leave the country because of underemployment or unemployment. As part of efforts to address the unemployment challenge in the state, IOM with support from the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), and in collaboration with Edo State Government launched on 16 September, 2021 the project titled “Promoting resilience and sustainable livelihoods for returned migrants and unemployed youth through community-based reintegration”. The project seeks to promote resilience and sustainable livelihood opportunity for returned migrants and unemployed youths through community-based reintegration. A multipurpose vocational skills training facility combined with a wood factory will be set up in collaboration with the private sector and the Edo State Skill Development Agency (Edojobs) to assist returnees, potential migrants and unemployed youth within their community access socioeconomic opportunities. The Aim of the project will be to build resilience and provide livelihood support so that trainees can generate their own income and thereby reduce the chances of migrating irregularly. Beyond unemployment, the project aims at targeting youth who are often deceived by false promises of a better life abroad or smuggling networks. This misinformation can put young Nigerians at risk of abuse, exploitation, coercion, modern slavery, and trafficking in persons along the migratory routes. Since 2017, IOM under the EU-IOM Joint Initiative on Migrant Protection program (EU-IOM JI) and in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), has facilitated the safe and voluntary return of over 21,000 stranded migrants from different transit and destination countries of which Edo state holds 43% of the returned migrants with various forms of vulnerabilities. The project builds on the previous and current IOM implemented projects funded by the European Union (EUTF-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration), the United Kingdom Department for International Development (Protection and Reintegration of Nigerian Migrants Returned from Libya under the Federal Government of Nigeria) and the Swiss Government (Facilitating Sustainable Reintegration of Voluntary Returnees through Business Support in Nigeria). This project “Promoting Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods for Returned Migrants and unemployed youth through Community-Based Reintegration” is funded by the Government of Switzerland.

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04 November 2021

"The COP26 Climate Test" by UN Resident Coordinator Edward Kallon

The climate crisis is a code red for humanity. World leaders have gathered this week at the UN Climate Conference — known as COP26 — in Glasgow, Scotland. Their actions will show their seriousness about addressing this planetary emergency. There are already early warning signs in Nigeria. Two of the past five years - 2016 and 2019 - have been the hottest ever recorded in Nigeria. The trend is clear for all to see. We can expect more hot days, warm nights and heat waves. Likewise, fluctuating patterns of rainfall have been responsible for extreme climate events like floods and droughts in many parts of the country. Nigeria’s environment and ecosystems, foundational to the nation’s economy, are under threat of destruction according to current climate impact projections. Climate change, therefore, poses a threat to Nigeria’s hard-won economic gains and to its ambitions of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But solutions are at hand. A sustainable pathway to keeping temperature rises to below 1.5 degrees Celsius was outlined and agreed to at COP21 under the Paris Agreement. This target is entirely achievable. If we can reduce global emissions by 45 per cent compared to 2010 levels this decade, and reach net-zero by 2050, we can do it. World leaders need to step up and deliver in Glasgow - especially those of the G20 nations. All countries need to realize that the old, carbon-burning model of development is fast becoming a relic of the past - and embrace a cleaner, greener future. UN Nigeria hopes that COP26 will rekindle hope in multilateralism by keeping its climate promise to the Global South. The developed world must urgently meet its commitment of at least $100 billion in annual climate finance for developing countries. But all countries need to contribute to humanity’s greatest challenge including Nigeria. We greatly welcome His Excellency President Buhari’s commitment at COP26 to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land across Africa. This would be a huge step in the right direction for the Great Green Wall climate-adaptation initiative across the Sahel. The FAO is excited to deepen its partnership with the Government as it addresses desertification in the Northern states for this initiative. It has already carried out 2,240 Ha of dryland restoration activities across 15 communities through the planting of native woody and herbaceous fodder species. In addition, we call on the Government of Nigeria to fulfill its obligations under the Paris Agreement which it ratified in 2017. This is the world’s blueprint for climate success. The UN supports the Climate Change Bill which was passed by the Senate last month and by the House of Representatives in July. We hope His Excellency President Buhari will expeditiously assent to the Bill’s passage. This Bill will ensure the prompt implementation of key provisions of the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, we urge Nigeria to continue on the path outlined by the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) which embodies the Government’s efforts to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. If fully implemented, these efforts will pave the way for a low carbon economy and result in a 50% reduction in Nigeria’s Green Gas House emissions. The UN System in Nigeria will continue to support the Government with all its available resources and expertise to drive the transformative change required to protect Nigeria’s environment and ecosystems through mitigation and adaptation measures. UNDP, through its Small Grants Programme, has supported 112 ecosystem restoration initiatives across 20 states. An estimated 800,000 and 10,000 hectares of land have been protected and restored, respectively. Through the ‘REDD+ Project’ in Cross River state, FAO have planted over 10,000 mangrove trees to regenerate degraded forests, established 15 different mangrove seedling nurseries, and developed a community mangrove management plan which allows the cutting of mangrove wood only in controlled areas. The FAO is also helping rural communities move away from energy sources like firewood and charcoal by implementing the Safe Access to Fuel and Energy (SAFE) approach which involves sustainable forestry management and fuel-efficient technologies. On an individual level, every Nigerian can participate in solving the climate crisis by minimizing their carbon footprint and living a sustainable life. These can be achieved in numerous ways like reducing food waste, eating a plant-based diet, turning off lights at home, etc. The UN’s Act One app allows you to choose and track a set of sustainable habits and see the impact you are making in terms of CO2, water and electricity saved. Just search for ‘Act One’ on the app stores to start living greener. Finally, let’s join together in solidarity and encourage our global leaders to meet the moment this week at COP26 in Glasgow. One last push for a collective solution to this climate crisis is needed that will protect our people, our prosperity, and our planet. Now is the time to act.

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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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Press Release

03 March 2021

UN Strategizes to ensure African countries respond and recover better from the COVID-19 pandemic

3 March 2021 BRAZZAVILLE – Africa’s regional know-how, assets and policy expertise will be more systematically channeled to the Resident Coordinators and United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs) across the continent as they help countries ensure an inclusive and sustainable transition out of the COVID-19 crisis, UN Deputy Secretary-General and Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group Amina J. Mohammed stressed as she joined the first annual meeting of the new Regional Collaborative Platform on 2 March 2021. “Today marks the start of the next-generation collaboration approach for the regional UN entities to support African countries to respond and recover better from the COVID-19 pandemic and reignite the Decade of Action for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is aligned with the Africa Union Agenda 2063,” Ms. Mohammed said. The United Nations has been making progress on its sweeping reforms to strengthen its support to countries, leveraging its capacities at all levels. The new Regional Collaborative Platform has responded to the growing need for enhanced UN coordination and regional collaboration in the face of the pandemic and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. It brings together UN regional expertise, capacity and data to provide analytical, policy and operational support to countries. Yesterday’s discussion, attended by regional representatives from the Africa UN development system, focused on high-priority issues for the African continent to recover better from the pandemic and move toward the Sustainable Development Goals. These included accelerating the implementation of the continental free trade agreement; investing in youth and women’s empowerment to help countries reap the benefit of their demographic dividends; advancing home-grown sustainable and scalable technologies and digital solutions; building climate and disaster resilience; and continuing to support the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns” initiative. Across the continent, Resident Coordinators and UNCTs are supporting countries in their access to COVAX vaccines and their socioeconomic response plans. In addition to the pandemic recovery, UN entities will work together to support sustainable development efforts in the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin and the Horn of Africa, and address the resurgence of Ebola, and climate crises with severe damage caused by deadly droughts, cyclones and locust outbreaks. “We are still in a recovery phase for the continent. We need additional resources. Our low- and middle-income countries, as well as small island states, have lost a lot of their resources. They need more fiscal space. They need more revenues. They need additional liquidity to ensure we build forward better,” said Under-Secretary-General Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Although it was a transitional year, the regional UN entities demonstrated evidence of enhanced system-wide collaboration at the regional level. For example, last year, all of them joined forces to launch the Knowledge Management Hub on COVID-19 and shared a business continuity plan with governments to support their e-governance, e-justice and e-commerce for livelihoods, while the Africa e-education strategy was introduced to Resident Coordinators to provide emergency education to more than 100 million African children out of school. “The African region is at a strategic juncture with COVID-19 recovery programmes and investments that we are making to enhance trade. All our efforts will yield desired results only if Africa’s people – our most important resource – feel productive, if they feel valued, if they feel safe, and if they feel secure,” said Assistant Secretary-General Ahunna Eziakonwa, Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the UN Development Programme (UNDP). The new platform will engage with the African Union in April and accelerate its effort to deliver on its promise with an impact-oriented focus on implementations. The Regional Collaborative Platform is chaired by the UN Deputy Secretary-General with two Vice-Chairs: Ms. Songwe and Ms. Eziakonwa. Its joint secretariat is comprised of UNECA, UNDP and the UN Development Coordination Office (DCO). ### Notes for correspondents Agenda 2063 is Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future. It is the continent’s strategic framework that aims to deliver on its goal for inclusive and sustainable development. The UN Resident Coordinator system encompasses all organizations of the United Nations system dealing with operational activities for development, regardless of their formal presence in the country. Screenshots of the meeting can be downloaded here (©UNDCO). Media contacts Hiroyuki Saito, Regional Communications Officer Regional Office for Africa, UN Development Coordination Office saitoh@un.org Maleele Choongo Regional Bureau for Africa, UN Development Programme Maleele.choongo@undp.org

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Press Release

02 March 2021

Federal Government, UN Convene National Dialogues on Food Systems

Abuja, 02 February 2021. The Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the United Nations system in Nigeria, has announced plans to organize series of dialogues across the country towards ensuring resilient, inclusive and sustainable food systems in Nigeria by 2030. This was preparatory to the September 2021 UN Food Systems Summit (FSS) convened by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The National Convenor of Nigeria Food Systems Summit Dialogue (FSSD), and Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Olusola Idowu, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday 1 February 2021, during a multi-sectoral, inter-Agency planning meeting for the dialogue. According to her, the food systems dialogues, the first of which holds on 23 February, are based on five action tracks which align with the current developmental priorities of Nigeria, and therefore, immensely contributory to an improved food systems in the country. “The five action tracks”, Mrs. Idowu explained, “include to ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all; Shift to sustainable Consumption Pattern; Boost nature-positive production; Advance equitable livelihood; and build resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks and stress.” The National Convenor emphasized that the Nigeria FSSD would be organized at three levels: The Inception National Dialogue, aimed at identifying food systems challenges from multiple perspectives; the Exploratory Dialogues, planned to hold in the six geo-political zones and major cities in Nigeria to harness promising approaches from diverse stakeholders that contribute to food systems in the country; and the Consolidatory Dialogues, aimed to exchange views on the pathway towards sustainable national food system, identify intentions and commitments of different food system actors. Providing some insights, Mrs. Idowu explained that in Nigeria, the Food Systems Dialogue would create more inclusive, healthier food systems, and encourage a collaborative approach towards building a sustainable food systems and enhance the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon, observed that the COVID-19 pandemic had worsened the Nigeria food systems and the food systems dialogues would provide a critical opportunity to tackle the weaknesses that were exposed by the crisis. “We must mobilise human and material resources across the country, and come together to dialogue on how to build back better, the ailing food systems.” He emphasized, “We are all members of the global food system, and we all have a responsibility to act.” Mr Kallon informed that the UN Secretary-General’s Food Systems Summit was designed to galvanise new actions to deliver progress on all 17 SDGs, each of which relies to some degree on healthier, more sustainable and equitable food systems. “It will also enhance food security and sustainability of eco-based Agriculture and food systems around the world.” He added. In November 2020, the Deputy Secretary-General and Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Food Systems Summit, Amina J. Mohammed, had invited all Member States to engage in the preparation of the Summit through encouraging action-oriented Dialogues, discussing ways to achieve sustainable food systems by 2030. ####

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