EU Aid to Nigeria - Combatting poor governance to unleash a vast potential

The fundamental aim of European aid to Nigeria, comparatively small in relation to the country’s needs, is to assist it in bringing about improvements to governance at both federal and regional levels. This will enable the nation to make the most of its resources to fight poverty.

EU and Nigeria cooperation was slowed by a payment freeze resulting from the lack of credibility of the 2007 presidential elections, the European Parliament demanding the suspension of development aid. Dialogue between the two parties resumed in 2009, prompting the EU’s earmarking of €677M* for Nigeria under the 10th EDF (2008-2013).  

Within this sum, the sectors prioritised by the two parties are peace and security (€166M)*, good governance and human rights (€297M)*, trade and regional integration (€105M)*. Other key sectors are energy, environmental protection and the mitigation of the effects of climate change (€99M)*.

Eight initiatives are detailed in the EU’s 2011 Annual Action Programme (AAP) on EU-Nigeria cooperation. They include a programme of support for the Niger Delta which aims to tackle the causes of the violence in the region, poor governance, chronic unemployment and the flagrant lack of public services and facilities.  

Other projects contained in the 2011 AAP concern good governance at a national level and in numerous regions. Specific projects will be implemented to fight corruption, drugs and organised crime, such as medical and social aid for drug users and programmes to raise awareness in schools, the home and in the community about how to live healthier and more productive lives.

Other support is foreseen to the justice sector to facilitate access to the courts for poor people and other marginalised groups including women, children, the infirm and people who are HIV-positive. Funding will also be used to strengthen the respective legal systems of the federal government and regional authorities. Money has also been allocated to bring about reforms in governance at federal, State and local levels in three northern and three southern States.  

In addition to the sum allocated improving basic services in the Niger Delta, six states will benefit from an €80M allocation for the “reform of the provision of water supply and sanitary services”.  

Together the eight projects contained in the 2011 Action Plan come to €475, half of which will be channelled through the United Nations and World Bank agencies with the remainder disbursed through open calls to tender.   

* http://www.europa-eu-un.org/articles/en/article_9243_en.htm European Union @ United States partnership in action

Hegel Goutier