ActionAid has been active in Nigeria since 1999 and now works in health, education, water, livelihoods and HIV/AIDS. In spite of Nigeria's mineral wealth, decades of turmoil and instability have left Nigeria with a legacy of poverty. 70 per cent of the population live below the poverty line, infant mortality rates are high and life expectancy is just 47 years.

Nigeria also has the second highest level of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world.

Child sponsorship in Nigeria

Ten-year-old Alheri (pictured right) is really happy to write messages to her sponsor in the UK. She says she loves to be part of this because it makes her feel important to her community. Alheri's sponsorship not only helps her, but her whole community benefits. During message collections, ActionAid gives children talks about staying healthy as well as supplying materials for writing and school.

Many of the poorest Nigerians have no access to healthcare or health education. Through child sponsorship, we’re educating local people in basic health, hygiene and sanitation in our adult education classes. We also encourage those who attend to pass on what they learn to their children, friends and neighbours so this knowledge can spread quickly through the community.

• Sponsor a child in Nigeria

Security and the future in Nigeria

The aftershocks of Nigeria’s turbulent past are still being felt so helping to build peace is an essential part of what we are doing. We’ve helped to build relationships between government agencies, community organisations and local people so that the next generation can enjoy a life free from political and religious conflict. We also work with communities to improve access to education and build more secure livelihoods.

Because many Nigerians – often children - still have to walk miles to collect water we are helping local people to gain the skills they need to dig wells and build a secure source of water. We’re also encouraging communities to demand more support from the government and local authorities.

How you can help

When you sponsor a child in Nigeria, you'll be providing the resources for real, long-term change. You'll get two letters a year from the child you sponsor, and updates from the country programme to tell you how the money you are spending is changing the community your child lives in.

• Sponsor a child in Nigeria