USAID works with Nigerians to improve agriculture, health, education, and governance

A. Fleuret/USAID

Agriculture and Food Security

USAID promotes broad-based economic growth and poverty reduction to improve agricultural productivity and create jobs, especially in rural areas. Our programs strengthen the value chains of high-impact commodities—those that are in demand locally or regionally. In support of the Government of Nigeria’s commitment to the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program, we also advance the development of evidence-based agricultural policies.

Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance

We support responsive governance at state and local levels, enhanced credibility for elections, and increased capacity for civic engagement. We build capacity in key government agencies to strengthen fiscal responsibilities and improve transparency. In addition, our programs advance the rule of law by strengthening the capacity and transparency of the justice system and increasing judicial independence at the federal level.

Economic Growth and Trade

We support the Government to improve market access, increase the country's energy supply, reduce obstacles to trade, and expand access to clean water. We help to develop a policy environment for small businesses and expand access to market-driven vocational and technical training linked with private sector employment opportunities. Our assistance also focuses on expanding access to commercial financial services, including microfinance.

Education

Our programs support equitable access to quality basic education through reading and literacy skills development, teacher training, support for girls’ education, infrastructure improvement, and community involvement. We also strengthen the capacity of state and local governments to plan and manage education services and promote accountability and informed resource management processes in the sector.

Global Health

Strengthening the sector and improving the overall health status of the population are among the most important development issues facing Nigeria. Through the Global Health Initiative, we coordinate with the Government to improve human resources for health, deliver high-impact services, and strengthen leadership, management, governance, and accountability for program ownership and sustainability.

Water and Sanitation

Access to clean water and improved sanitation facilities is a daily challenge for many Nigerians, particularly those in the north. Through partnership with local governments and the private sector, we increase access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education among some of the most at-risk communities in the north.

Working in Crises and Conflict

To address conflict and stability in central and northern Nigeria, we promote the legitimacy and capacity of governance structures to defend religious freedom. Our programs strengthen the capacity of civil society groups, government officials and religious leaders to address violence in select states to mitigate and manage conflicts in their communities. Using a multiple sector, community-based approach, projects draw on the expertise of religious and traditional leaders, women and youth groups, government officials, and civil society to develop an early warning system, protocols, and reference materials to improve responses to outbreaks and threats of violence.