Nigeria

Featured Publications & Tools

Conflict in the Niger Delta
This report, sponsored by the Centers of Innovation at the US Institute of Peace (USIP), draws on the experiences of the author and Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) over the past four years in the Niger Delta. During this period, conflict has escalated significantly while governance indicators, for the most part, have stubbornly refused to improve.
Climate Change Adaptation and Conflict in Nigeria
Climate change, a growing number of voices in media and policy circles warn, is raising the risks of violent conflict in the twenty-first century. Dire futures are predicted for some of the world’s poorest, least prepared countries and their most vulnerable citizens. This report, sponsored by the Centers of Innovation at the U.S. Institute of Peace, evaluates these claims for conflict-prone Nigeria.

Latest from USIP on Nigeria

January 6, 2012 | Publication
Global Change, Peacebuilding and USIP

USIP leaders explain the effect that events around the world and here at home will have on the U.S., and the contributions the Institute can and does make during a time of tremendous challenge – and opportunity.
January 6, 2012 | Publication
From Nigeria to Iraq: USIP Mediation in Conflicts

In a period of tremendous change in parts of the world, we are asking USIP leaders, from board members to senior staff and experts, to explain the effects that events abroad and here at home will have on the United States, and the contributions the Institute can and does make. David Smock is currently the senior vice president for USIP’s Centers of Innovation.
November 10, 2011 | In the Field
Eye on USIP's Religion and Peacemaking Center

Religion is often seen as the cause of strife around the globe, but in reality, it can provide the foundation for what helps to end conflict. USIP’s work, from Indonesia to Pakistan, demonstrates that religion can play a positive role in managing conflict. USIP’s David Smock, senior vice president for the Centers of Innovation, explores the issue in this brief question-and-answer.
September 30, 2011 | Publication
Nigerian Foreign Minister Lays Out Ambitious New Agenda for Country

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, visited the U.S. Institute of Peace on September 29 to lay out President Goodluck Jonathan’s agenda.

Overview

Nigeria is an important strategic ally and trade partner of the United States, providing eight percent of U.S. oil imports. With more than 200 ethnic groups and a total population of 140 million, it is Africa’s most populous country and one that is plagued by conflict. The two most serious conflict zones are in the Middle Belt, particularly in Plateau State, and in the oil-rich Niger Delta. USIP has been active in addressing both of those conflicts.

Nigeria faced a major challenge in April 2011 when it held national and state elections. Nigeria’s previous elections have usually been fraudulent. In a significant break with the past the 2011 elections were generally free and fair. However, northern supporters of the runner-up in the presidential elections went on a violent rampage when their candidate was declared the loser. Hundreds lost their lives and many of those killed were Christians. This violence was a replay of the sectarian conflict that breaks out periodically, particularly in Plateau State.

Going Forward

Containment of Electoral Violence
Elections in Nigeria have repeatedly featured political assassinations, voter intimidation, intra- and interparty clashes, and communal unrest. The 2011 elections could hopefully mark a turning point in the consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy, but they also provoked worsening ethnosectarian clashes.
- Read “Breaking the Cycle of Electoral Violence In Nigeria”
  December 2010 | Special Report by Ebere Onwudiwe and Chloe Berwind-Dart
Ameliorating Christian/Muslim Conflict in the Middle Belt
Working with Imam Mohammed Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye of the Inter Faith Mediation Centre, USIP has sponsored and participated in multiple mediation efforts in the Middle Belt. | Learn more about USIP's work on Christian/Muslim relations in Nigeria

Resettlement and Reintegration of Ex-Combatants in the Niger Delta
USIP has conducted several trainings in conflict analysis and conflict management for community groups in the Niger Delta to enhance their peacemaking skills. Much of this has been in partnership with the African Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR). In addition, USIP has given grants for the training of traditional leaders to make them more effective peacemakers. | Learn more about USIP's work in the Niger Delta
- Read "Something or Nothing: Granting Niger Deltans a “stake” in oil to reduce conflict"
  October 2010 | Policy Paper by Aaron Sayne, Transnational Crisis Project

Multimedia

Watch a documentary about the Imam and the Pastor's work in Nigeria
Listen to the recent event "Is Nigeria a Hotbed of Islamic Extremism"
Listen to USIP Senior Research Associate Dorina Bekoe on strategies for enhancing growth, governance and security in Nigeria