Nigeria

SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children grow up with the care, protection and relationships they need to become their strongest selves (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria)

With a total population of over 200 million, Nigeria is one of the world's most populous countries. Nearly half of the population lives in cities, and the number of people moving to urban areas is increasing. Poverty is widespread and as cities grow quickly, many families end up living in inadequate housing: in shacks without access to sanitation or safe drinking water. Furthermore, Nigeria continues to face serious health challenges, above all the HIV/AIDS pandemic and lack of appropriate medical care. Infant and maternal mortality are also high, and many children lack access to education.

SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it in Nigeria since 1973.

Children are at risk

Millions of Nigerian children and young people are at risk. Widespread poverty means that many children live in extremely poor living conditions, without access to basic infrastructure like toilets or safe drinking water. Since the majority of children are not fully vaccinated, this leaves them vulnerable to preventable diseases. Furthermore, many children are undernourished and fail to grow healthily. HIV/AIDS has led to a large number of children without parental care or at risk of losing it. These children are left to fend for themselves and rarely get an education
60%
Of people in Nigeria live in poverty

Widespread poverty

Nigeria is one of the poorest and most unequal countries in the world. Although it is rich in petroleum, natural gas, tin and coal, over 60% of its people live in poverty. There are big regional differences; the highest levels of poverty are found in the northern areas of the country, which are also most affected by political instability. Furthermore, within cities, which have grown rapidly in recent years, inequality also persists. Many people live in very poor conditions, without access to sanitation, such as toilets, or safe drinking water. This presents a particularly risk for children.

1.8M
Nigerians live with HIV/AIDS

Health

Nigeria is faced with numerous health challenges. Despite recent improvements, hundreds of children under the age of 5 die daily. Only a handful of babies are born in health centers or get fully vaccinated. Many women also die during childbirth. Furthermore, HIV/AIDS continues to be present in the country, as around 1.8 million people currently live with the virus. Many children lose their parents due to the disease. Without parental care, these children are left extremely vulnerable to malnourishment and exploitation.

1 in 5

Lack of education

Even though primary education is officially free and compulsory in Nigeria, millions of the country’s children are not in school. In fact, an international comparison has shown that 1 in every 5 of the world’s out-of-school children are in Nigeria. Just over half of children regularly attend primary school and even fewer receive early childhood education. Girls are particularly marginalized when it comes to education. Without a formal education, they are at a severe disadvantage and will struggle to escape the cycle of poverty.

Together we can make a difference for children in Nigeria

10,230
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
270
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
250
Children
Grow up in our care
100
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
100
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
2,400
Emergency services
Were delivered
Children and young people in our care have the opportunity to learn about communication skills, and take part in training on different topics (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria).

Working together for sustainable development

In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and trains parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequalities
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe, by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting. .
GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.

Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!

Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives