Where We Work
Sustainable Development Goals
Peace, Justice & Strong Institution
No Poverty
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Decent Work & Economic Growth
Reduced Inequalities
Partnership for The Goals
Nigeria
Context
Country Statistics
Stories from the Ground
Pathway to Change
Local Partners
Context
Nigeria is ranked 3 on the 2019 Global Terrorism Index. The situation had deteriorated significantly with a dramatic increase in violence in the year earlier. GCERF began investing in Nigeria in mid-2016 and funds local organisations in the North Central Nigerian states of Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Plateau.
The history of hostility in the region is a key structural driver of recruitment and radicalisation to violent extremism. Conflict between farmers and herders–fuelled by a cycle of cattle rustling, reprisals and confrontations–has exacerbated religious divisions and encouraged the propagation of violent extremist narratives. Two of the key drivers of violent extremism identified in the project locations are the perception of a lack of opportunities and material enticements from violent extremist groups. Communities are also concerned about the misinterpretation of religion.
Country Statistics
Young men and women driving change in Kogi, Nigeria
This is the first time a local community has used GCERF funding to influence the law. The milestone enshrines in law a body mandated to increase socio-economic opportunities for youth and tackle head-on some of the key drivers of violent extremism.
The Kogi Youth Development Commission Bill was signed into law by the Governor of Kogi State on 24 April, 2019. “Today, we made history,” said the Bill’s sponsor, Hon. Ahmed Mohammed. The Bill established a multi-stakeholder Youth Development Commission, whose mandate is to increase social-economic opportunities for youth, reduce antisocial behavior, and empower young men and young women.
Pathways to Change
GCERF funds initiatives to prevent violent extremism in communities to foster peaceful coexistence and social cohesion. This is done by supporting peacebuilding initiatives, conflict resolution systems and platforms for inter-communal dialogue. The core constituencies in Nigeria are youth, women, local religious leaders, traditional leaders and authorities.
Among the range of activities that GCERF funds in Nigeria, GCERF supports grantees to:
- Raise awareness on the dangers of violent extremism.
- Build a sense of purpose for community members.
- Share positive alternative narratives to violent extremism.
- Train youths on business development and entrepreneurship.
- Organise policy dialogues on preventing violent extremism.
- Build capacity of security agencies and voluntary organisations.
- Host women’s conferences and cultural events for peace.
Community Agency
21,000 community members participated in activities including:
- 400 women were trained on peacebuilding and conflict prevention, and then visited schools to engage with more than 2,500 youth to advocate for these issues
- 600 youth engaged in self-organised peacebuilding activities after participating in GCERF-funded programmes
- 6,340 community stakeholders (including civil society leaders, community-based organisations, and NGOs) participated in advocacy meetings and community consultations
Equal Access to Opportunities
4,800 vulnerable individuals participated in activities designed to increase their access to social and economic opportunities.
3,000 youth gained technical vocational skills, and 1,700 women were trained and supported
100 percent of the 268 young men and young women who received vocational training and support successfully gained employment after the GCERF-funded programme
1,062 young men and young women participated in the Basic Business Training Workshop and received a start-up grant after three months
549 women were successfully linked with financial institutions to access credit
110 individuals who were victims of farmer-herder violence – a conflict that has been exploited by violent extremist groups – received support to rebuild their livelihoods
Sense of Purpose
5,080 participants participated in activities including:
- 1,271 youth participated in a three-month programme on providing peer support and conflict mitigation, guided by a unique bespoke curriculum
- 517 students participated in creative clubs established in 8 secondary schools
- 1,709 youth participated in youth peace camps focusing on changing youth perceptions of violence; 50 percent of participating youth went on to serve as volunteer peace agents in their communities
Local Partners in Nigeria
