This project aims to provide unbiased, empirical information and policy recommendations to international actors engaged with Nigeria.

Research on Nigeria has been central to the work of the Africa Programme since its inception and it has a successful track-record of outputs and impacts. The Africa Programme will now formalise its Nigeria component to bring a more holistic approach to its research on the country. The Programme will broaden and deepen its Nigeria research, running a series of interlinking projects covering politics and government, corruption and crime, development and social challenges, business and economic growth, and regional and international relations. 

Context

Nigeria is a major regional power in Africa and its reach is global. Its influence stems from a large population of about 150 million, abundant natural resources including oil and gas, its peacekeeping capacity, an engaged and entrepreneurial diaspora, and emerging opportunities in a growing economy. Unintended and unwelcome impacts on its neighbours and beyond come from entrenched corruption, financial crime, flawed democracy, underdevelopment and consequent social unrest, crude oil theft and drug trafficking. The country's potential to become an economic powerhouse, the complexity of its challenges and the far-reaching repercussions of domestic events make Nigeria a key focus for Africa Programme research and activity.

The West Africa region feels Nigeria's size and influence, and in the past Nigeria has been very active on the continent, driving forward the creation of ECOWAS, taking a lead in conflict resolution in several West African civil wars, and displaying a flair for diplomacy in others. Nigeria has close ties with western powers and is a participant in G8 summit outreach sessions. While outwardly Nigeria projects an image of power, influence and control, its inward reality contradicts this. Despite a huge domestic market and great entrepreneurial acumen, the country is held back by corruption, poverty and unaccountable government. Institutions often lack the capacity to deliver public services to the people. Nigerians are united by their interdependency but can be divided by difference in wealth, education, ethnicity, or religion.

Through its research, meetings and contacts network, the Africa Programme seeks to disentangle and demystify the Nigerian complexity, to be able to offer policy-makers, businesses and NGOs concrete recommendations for effective engagement with the country.

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 2001 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. In 2005 it convened a conference on the Niger Delta in Lagos in cooperation with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. It also convened a conference on Nigeria as an emerging market in 2007 which included a session on the Niger Delta. The Africa Programme is uniquely placed to offer a neutral forum to its diverse network of contacts.

The Programme also provides administrative and research support to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria, helping to build links with Members of Parliament and build their knowledge of Nigeria and its importance. Read Report of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria 2009

Outcomes

The Africa Programme Nigeria project work has positive impacts on the country and beyond:

• It increases international understanding of the workings of the political system and the economy of Nigeria, to help manage expectations and identify opportunities for progress;
• It provides international policy makers with information necessary to make informed decisions to help improve the livelihoods of people in the Nigeria;
• The work aims to increase general understanding of the country and the importance of supporting its development and democracy;
• With the convening power of Chatham House we bring together Nigerian and international actors to find the best way of overcoming challenges;
  It will help to build human capacity in the country. This will be developed through active engagement with local actors in the form of seminars, exchanges and the dissemination of findings.

Resources

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