Operations in Nigeria

Recognized for its expertise and success in delivering multisectoral programmes, UNOPS is uniquely placed to balance the need for results with the need for long-term ownership of projects by partners.

UNOPS in Nigeria has the following portfolios:

• The Niger Delta Job Creation and Conflict Prevention Initiative,
• The Cameroon - Nigeria Border Demarcation Project,
• Global Environment Facility.

Partners include; United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA), state governments and private companies.

Infrastructure

As the lead United Nations organization for infrastructure development, particularly in crisis and post-conflict settings, UNOPS has field expertise and a network of national and international civil engineers, water and sanitation experts, surveyors and architects that can be deployed at short notice.

In the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, with funding from UNDP in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company and the state governments of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States, UNOPS is renovating and refurbishing Multipurpose Youth Training Centres (MYPTCs) in order to provide vocational centres for local communities.

UNOPS has renovated the Egbokodo MPYTC in Warri, Delta State. Renovation and rehabilitation work is on-going at the temporary MPYTC at Adagbariri Craft Centre in Bayelsa State while the permanent centre at Asoama is being constructed.
 
Working closely with the Ministries of Economic Planning, Youth Development and Conflict Resolution UNOPS has assisted with the design and development of Bills of Quantity for the construction of hostels, additional classrooms, administrative blocks, workshops, canteen and staff residencies for the Egbokodo centre in Delta State and Adagbabiri Centre in Bayelsa State.

Niger Delta Job Creation & Conflict Prevention Initiative

UNOPS in Nigeria is implementing the Niger Delta Job Creation and Conflict Prevention Initiative with funding from UNDP, in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company and the governments of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States. Started in 2008, the three year Youth Empowerment project aims to promote the advancement of human security and sustainable development through youth empowerment, job creation and conflict prevention initiatives in the Niger Delta Region.

Within the framework of this project, three multipurpose youth centres offering vocational training are being established in each of the states. UNOPS has developed curricula for core courses including; welding and fabrication, motor vehicle mechanics incorporating automobile electrics, diesel plant-fitting, information technology, carpentry and joinery.

Career Development Centres

One of the core elements of the MPYTCs is the establishment of Youth Career Centres within the three MPYTCs. The Youth Career Centres will provide enterprise development support to youth and undertake market analyses and the drafting of business plans.

The centre will provide information on accessing scholarships within and outside Nigeria, micro-finance and business incubators. Furthermore the centres will have linkages to government, industry and the petroleum sector to connect the skills of the graduates to eventual job placements.

Reintegrating vulnerable youths into society

The reintegration of former militants and vulnerable youth into the community has been identified as a critical factor and necessary component for the sustainable peace and development initiative in the Niger Delta. As a component of its current programme in three states, UNOPS has developed a reorientation programme to address the social challenges affecting former militants and support their reintegration into wider society.

Components of the programme include reconciliation, social and mental health care, social capital, sports and recreation, direct therapy and institutional support. It will also involve orientation, counselling and referral services.

The Cameroon - Nigeria Border Demarcation Project

The Cameroon – Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC) was established in November 2002 to implement the ruling of the International Court of Justice on the Demarcation of the Land Boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon. UNOPS was contracted by United Nations Office for West Africa at the request of CNMC in 2009 to provide project management services for the first phase of the placement of the boundary pillars between the Lake Chad Basin and the Mandara Mountains.

Covering 700 km of the boundary from the Lake Chad area to the Benue River, the project will construct 60 primary and 640 secondary boundary pillars at locations and to specifications defined by the CNMC over a period of 12 months. UNOPS Senegal Operations Centre in Dakar and the UNOPS team in Nigeria are providing technical expertise to ensure the speedy completion of the project.

A project base has been established in Abuja, Nigeria, a work plan has been developed and procurement processes are being conducted. The project is contributing to conflict resolution as well as peaceful sub-regional cooperation between Nigeria and Cameroon.