The Africa Programme carries out policy-focused research and analysis on a range of themes relating to Nigeria's complex politics and interconnected challenges, to inform decision-making on what is arguably the most strategically important country in Africa.

The Nigeria project prioritises in-country research and draws on a network of Nigerian and international experts engaged on a range of issues in Nigeria. The Africa Programme takes an 'all-Nigeria' approach to its research – pursuing distinct research strands simultaneously, enabling it to analyse how specific political, economic and regional dynamics interconnect, and to provide insights in support of successful policy engagement.

Research on Nigeria and its regional and international relations has been central to the work of the Africa Programme since its inception. Over the years the Programme has built up a body of work and network of expertise, making it a unique centre for independent policy relevant research on Nigeria. 

Chatham House and Nigeria

Chatham House has a world-class reputation for independence, influence and rigorous, dependable, policy-relevant research.

The Africa Programme has, over the years, devoted a great deal of its resources to research on Nigeria. The Programme has hosted the former President of Nigeria, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, former head of state and 2011 presidential candidate General Muhammadu Buhari, former Chair of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. 

The Africa Programme is uniquely placed to offer a neutral forum for debate and discussion on this complex country to a diverse network of decision-makers.

The Programme also provides administrative and research support to the British All Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria. Read the Report of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria 2012.

Research Areas 

• Understanding power and leadership dynamics in northern Nigeria
• Security challenges in Nigeria
• Organized crime and the impact of oil
• Understanding models of reform and economic success in Nigeria
• The State Government series.

Resources

The Challenge of Change: Democracy and Development in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Meeting Summary
Kayode Fayemi, November 2012

Security and Sustainable Development in Northern Nigeria
Transcript
Aliyu Wamakko, November 2012

Young Democracy 2012: Country Visit Report of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria
APPG Report
All Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria, September 2012

Launch of the 2012 Report of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria
Meeting Summary
Chatham House, September 2012

Nigeria and South Africa: Rivalries, rows and reconciliations
The World Today
Dr Adekeye Adebajo, July 2012

Big problems but a big future
The World Today
Elizabeth Donnelly, July 2012

Improving Elections in Nigeria: Lessons from 2011 and Looking to 2015
Meeting Summary
July 2012

Nigeria's Unity and Regional Socio-Political Groups: Influence and Impact of the Northern States Governors' Forum
Transcript
July 2012

Lost in Translation: Why Nigeria's Police don't Implement Democratic Reforms
International Affairs
Alice Hills, July 2012

Boko Haram: Racing to Reclaim the Initiative
Expert Comment
Elizabeth Donnelly, May 2012

Boko Haram: Racing to Reclaim the Initiative
Expert Comment
Elizabeth Donnelly, May 2012

Nigeria in 2012: Crises and Reforms
Event Summary, January 2012

UN Bombing in Nigeria
Expert Comment
Alex Vines, August 2011 

The Effects of Oil Companies' Activities on the Environment, Health and Development in sub-Saharan Africa
European Parliament Report
Heike Baumüller, Elizabeth Donnelly, Alex Vines, Markus Weimer, August 2011

Nigeria's 2011 Elections: Reflections on the process and prospects for Nigeria
Transcript and Audio
Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), presidential candidate for the Congress for Progressive Change, June 2011

Nigeria's 2011 elections

The Changing Nature of Nigeria-India Relations
Programme Paper
Parvathi Vasudevan, December 2010

Nigeria: the Biggest and the Best? 50 Years of Independence
Transcript
HE Ambassador Dozie Nwanna, November 2010

Reflections on Fifty Years of Change in Nigeria
Transcript
Jean Herskovits, November 2010

Nigeria: Planning and Prospects for the 2011 Elections
Meeting Summary, October 2010

Nigeria's Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative: Just a Glorious Audit?
Programme Paper
Nicholas Shaxson, November 2009

Thirst for African Oil: Asian National Oil Companies in Nigeria and Angola
Report
Alex Vines, Lilian Wong, Markus Weimer, Indira Campos, August 2009

Report of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria 2009
APPG Report, April 2009

Nigeria After the Elections: 100 Days of President Yar'Adua
Briefing Note
Sola Tayo, September 2007

Nigeria-Related Financial Crime and its Links with Britain
Report
Michael Peel, November 2006

Crisis in the Niger Delta: How Failures of Transparency and Accountability are Destroying the Region
Briefing Paper
Michael Peel, July 2005

Contact

For further information please contact:
Elizabeth Donnelly, Africa Programme Manager
+ 44 (0)207 314 3667