This piece will discuss some of Nigeria’s best international NGOs. Before we go into some of the best international NGOs in Nigeria, we will look at what international NGOs are all about.

Read on: 10 List of NGOs Making an Impact in Nigeria

What are international NGOs?

International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operate within the country but are not affiliated with the country’s government in view. They are usually established by international organizations (such as the United Nations) or non-profit organizations from other countries. These NGOs operate in various sectors such as healthcare, education, human rights, environmental protection, poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and women’s rights.

International NGOs in Nigeria 

Nigeria’s international NGOs (INGOs) are crucial in addressing humanitarian and development challenges. They partner with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to deliver assistance, build capacities, and advocate for positive change. 

Below are the 12 best international NGOs in Nigeria and their unique contributions:

1. Oxfam Nigeria: 

Oxfam is an umbrella organization that works on various social justice issues, including poverty, inequality, gender, and governance. Oxfam collaborates with local partners in Nigeria to support women’s economic empowerment, conflict resolution, and humanitarian response. They also conduct research and public campaigns to raise awareness of structural issues perpetuating poverty and marginalization.

Oxfam Nigeria’s humanitarian response work focuses on providing life-saving assistance and protection to people affected by conflict, disasters, and other crises. They provide emergency food, shelter, water, and sanitation to people in need and work to protect vulnerable communities from violence, exploitation, and abuse.

Finally, Oxfam Nigeria engages in advocacy to influence policies and practices that impact the lives of the poor and marginalized in Nigeria. They advocate for fairer tax policies, greater public transparency and accountability, and better governance to reduce poverty and inequality.

2. Save the Children Nigeria

Save the Children is a leading organization focusing on child protection, education, health, and emergency response. In Nigeria, Save the Children operates in the Northeast region, supporting displaced children and families affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. They also work on child rights advocacy, child marriage prevention, and health programs for children and mothers.

3. ActionAid Nigeria 

ActionAid is a global federation emphasizing women’s rights, education, and sustainable livelihoods. In Nigeria, they work with grassroots organizations and community groups to foster inclusive governance, rural development, and social protection for women and children. They also provide humanitarian assistance and participate in advocacy networks.

4. Amnesty International Nigeria

Amnesty International is a human rights organization that investigates and exposes cases of violations and abuses. In Nigeria, they monitor the use of excessive force by the security forces, the detention of activists, and the impunity of perpetrators. They also advocate for protecting vulnerable groups, such as refugees and internally displaced persons.

5. World Vision Nigeria: 

World Vision is a Christian organization focusing on child development, education, and health. In Nigeria, they support vulnerable children and families through child sponsorship programs, health clinics, and water and sanitation projects. They also respond to emergencies and work on advocacy for child rights and protection.

6. International Rescue Committee Nigeria

The International Rescue Committee is a humanitarian organization that responds to crises, conflict, and displacement worldwide in Nigeria, and they provide emergency assistance, protection, and livelihood support to communities affected by violence and displacement in the Northeast and other regions. They also work on education, health, and women’s empowerment programs.

7. CARE Nigeria

CARE is a leading organization on poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, and disaster response. In Nigeria, they partner with local NGOs and government agencies to promote gender equity, develop microfinance programs, and respond to emergencies. They also research and advocate for gender-based violence, maternal health, and climate change.

CARE Nigeria supports marginalized groups, such as women and children, to overcome poverty, improve health and education, and build resilience to disasters and conflicts. Their programs include livelihoods and economic empowerment, maternal and child health, nutrition, education, and protection from gender-based violence. CARE Nigeria also advocates for policy changes and community engagement to address the root causes of inequality and injustice.

This international  NGO operates in the healthcare, education, human rights, environmental protection, poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and women’s rights.

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8. Plan International Nigeria

Plan International is a child-focused organization that aims to empower girls, promote gender equality, and protect children’s rights. In Nigeria, they work in the Northeast region, providing education, health, and protection programs for displaced children and girls. They also promote youth participation, child marriage prevention, and advocacy for child rights.

Regarding child protection, Plan International Nigeria works to prevent and respond to violence, exploitation, and abuse against children, particularly girls. They support the government and other partners to strengthen child protection systems and advocate for better policies to protect children from harm.

9. Mercy Corps Nigeria

Mercy Corps is a global organization focusing on conflict resolution, economic development, and disaster response. In Nigeria, they provide livelihood support, youth empowerment, and peacebuilding programs in the Northeast and other regions affected by conflict and instability. They also participate in coalitions and networks to address humanitarian and development challenges.

One of Mercy Corps Nigeria’s key priorities is to help vulnerable populations recover from the impacts of conflict and displacement, including providing support for individuals who have been internally displaced and refugees. The organization provides emergency relief services such as food, water, shelter, and healthcare to help people rebuild their lives.

Through its innovative programming and partnerships, Mercy Corps Nigeria has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic and social development, helping communities become more resilient and self-reliant.

10. Doctors Without Borders Nigeria

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization that provides emergency healthcare and assistance in conflict zones, natural disasters, and epidemics. In Nigeria, they respond to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, measles, and meningitis and provide medical care to refugees, displaced persons, and other vulnerable populations.

Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has provided medical assistance to people affected by conflict, displacement, and epidemics in Nigeria since 1996. They provide services to those in need regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation. The organization runs medical projects in Nigeria’s Northeast, Northwest, and South-South regions, focusing on treating diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malnutrition, and waterborne illnesses.  

11. Christian Aid Nigeria

Christian Aid is a faith-based organization focusing on poverty reduction, climate justice, and peacebuilding. In Nigeria, they work with partners to promote sustainable livelihoods, social inclusion, and conflict resolution in the Northeast region and other areas affected by climate change and insecurity. They also participate in advocacy and campaigns on global issues such as debt relief and tax justice.

Christian Aid Nigeria also advocates for policies and practices that promote human rights, social justice, and environmental sustainability. They engage with communities, civil society organizations, and government agencies to promote transparent and accountable governance, reduce inequality, and provide opportunities for vulnerable groups. 

12. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria

UNICEF is a UN agency that aims to promote the rights and well-being of children and mothers worldwide. In Nigeria, UNICEF works with the government and civil society partners to provide essential services such as education, health, water and sanitation, and child protection. They also advocate for policies and interventions that benefit children and address disparities.

United Nations Children’s Funds also operate in various sectors such as healthcare, education, human rights, environmental protection, poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and women’s rights.

Benefits of International NGOs

Overall, international NGOs in Nigeria have been instrumental in complementing government efforts to provide essential social services to improve Nigerian lives.

1. Improved Health Services: International NGOs in Nigeria have improved healthcare services nationwide. They provide assistance, resources, and expertise to help combat diseases and improve health outcomes.

2. Increased Education Access: Many NGOs have established schools and learning centers to help increase access to education in Nigeria. They provide resources and support to promote literacy and to help children attain education.

3. Poverty Alleviation: International NGOs in Nigeria have implemented various programs to address poverty. They empower people and communities with skills training, access to capital and business resources, and other support services aimed at displacing poverty.

4. Disaster Relief: International NGOs are typically equipped with funding and resources to respond to natural disasters and emergencies swiftly. They play a critical role in providing much-needed assistance and support during emergencies.

5. Human rights protection: NGOs promote human rights across Nigeria by advocating for legal framework establishment and community education campaigns to prevent human rights violations.

6. Environmental Protection: International NGOs in Nigeria have initiated environmental campaigns to safeguard the environment from degradation & deforestation. They raise awareness on waste management disposal, green energy, and climate change.

7. Promoting Women’s Rights: NGOs help promote women’s rights in Nigeria through advocacy and awareness. They empower women to participate in development processes, enhance gender equality, end gender-based violence, and support women’s entrepreneurship. 

Conclusion

All the above-mentioned international NGOs in Nigeria function through funding from donors, grants, and government support to carry out their various programs and projects to support Nigerian communities.

These international NGOs in Nigeria support the federal government, state governments, and local communities in meeting basic needs and promoting development.

These NGOs operate in various sectors such as healthcare, education, human rights, environmental protection, poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and women’s rights.

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