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Empowering communities in Nigeria's Niger delta

A pathway to sustainable livelihoods and social stability through micro-projects

24 Oct 2024
Nigeria
Customer EUD/MBNP
Project duration 3 years
Related Services
Related Industries

Addressing Poverty and Infrastructure Deficits in the Niger Delta 

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria, encompassing nine states (Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers), faced longstanding challenges of poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited economic opportunities. Despite previous interventions, many communities continued to struggle with poor access to essential services such as water, health, and education. Additionally, environmental degradation, social unrest, and high levels of unemployment further exacerbated the region's instability. The need for basic infrastructure improvements and income-generating opportunities was critical to fostering development, reducing conflict, and promoting sustainable livelihoods in these underserved communities 

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A Holistic Strategy: Micro-Projects for Infrastructure and Livelihoods

As part of the broader EU Niger Delta Support Programme (NDSP), Component 4 (NDSP-C4) was designed to tackle these issues by implementing over 800 micro-projects (MPs) aimed at providing essential infrastructure and promoting economic empowerment across the nine states. Funded by the 10th European Development Fund (EDF), the programme focused on building local capacity, improving governance, and enhancing service delivery.

The Consultant played a key role in providing Technical Assistance to support the implementation of these micro-projects. The services delivered included:

  1. Project Design and Tender Management

  • Revising existing designs and preparing tender documentation to ensure alignment with local needs and standards

  • Overseeing the tendering process, contractor selection, and financial monitoring, ensuring transparency and accountability

  1. Construction Supervision and Monitoring Created 

  • Supervising the construction of infrastructure projects, including water supply systems, schools, health centers, and income-generating facilities such as cassava mills, palm oil mills, and markets.

  • Monitoring project progress to ensure timely delivery and adherence to budgets

  1. Capacity Building for Local Authorities 

  • Strengthening the institutional capacities of Local Government Areas (LGAs) and community leaders through training and provision of standard technical documentation.

  • Enhancing the skills of technical and administrative staff involved in micro-project implementation.

  1. Community Engagement and Governance

  • Supporting the adoption of Community Development Action Plans (CDAPs) to ensure community-driven development and sustainability.

  • Promoting equitable access to infrastructure and economic opportunities for both men and women. 

A transparent and Efficient System 

The NDSP-C4 programme exemplifies the power of community-driven development, combining essential infrastructure with economic empowerment to create lasting change. By enhancing local capacities, improving governance, and providing equitable access to services, the project has laid the groundwork for a more stable, prosperous, and sustainable Niger Delta.

The NDSP-C4 programme delivered substantial benefits to the Niger Delta region, significantly improving infrastructure and livelihoods across the nine states. A total of 863 micro-projects were successfully implemented, directly addressing the needs of the communities.

  • Improved Access to Essential Services: The programme delivered critical infrastructure, including 164 water supply systems, 119 health centers, 188 school blocks, and 152 civic centers. These facilities provided much-needed services, enhancing the quality of life for thousands of residents.

  • Economic Empowerment and Livelihood Development: The construction of 60 cassava mills, 76 palm oil mills, and several markets across the region provided new income-generating opportunities. Both men and women gained greater access to economic activities, boosting employment and household incomes.

  • Strengthened Community Governance: The introduction of Community Development Action Plans (CDAPs) empowered communities to take ownership of their development, fostering greater accountability and long-term sustainability of the projects.

  • Social Cohesion and Stability: By improving access to services and economic opportunities, the programme contributed to enhanced social cohesion among village communities, reducing conflict, environmental degradation, and violence in the region.

  • Sustainable Livelihoods and Reduced Poverty: Through the combination of infrastructure development and capacity building, the living conditions of both urban and rural populations improved, generating employment opportunities and fostering economic stability across the Niger Delta.In addition, the training and certification of 2,500 public officials has provided the country with a highly skilled workforce capable of confidently managing procurement under the updated legal framework. These trained professionals are well prepared to maintain transparency and ensure compliance, significantly improving the overall effectiveness of the public

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