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New report says Nigeria needs support of international community

27 February 2008

In a new report by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Nigeria, published in conjunction with the Africa Programme at Chatham House, the APPG expresses its hopes that the recently-elected President Yar'Adua (pictured) will take the necessary steps to implement the reforms needed to bring about positive change in Nigeria. However, it warns that he will need support from inside Nigeria as well as from the international community to do so.

The authors point to several obstacles Nigeria has to overcome. These include tackling corruption and violence and making vital improvements to the country's education system. The report's authors suggest reforms that would help in these areas and suggest that external support would be valued. Other issues where the authors express concern are the electoral process and the power sector. Despite the relatively peaceful transfer of power in 2007, the APPG says that major reforms of the Independent National Electoral Commission need to be implemented.

The APPG brings attention to Nigeria's deficient power supply which is preventing economic development and the delivery of public services. Due to the insufficient electricity supply other sources are being used, such as generators and wood fires, which are having a detrimental effect on Nigeria's urban environments.

The Niger Delta is the worst affected region for pollution in the whole of Africa due to gas-flaring. The authors are adamant that there is no reason for gas-flaring to continue in the Niger Delta. They argue that the international community needs to exert more pressure on the Nigerian government and oil-companies to end gas-flaring and offer support where necessary. The report also warns that the crisis in the Niger Delta needs to be addressed urgently and suggests that the Niger Delta Development Commission be reformed or replaced to ensure greater efficiency and development in the region.

The report highlights the significant and potentially positive role of religious leaders in Nigeria. The authors are keen to stress the important relationship between religious movements in Nigeria and the UK and call for the British Government to cement it.


Notes to editors:
The Report of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria is published in conjunction with Chatham House. The findings are based on the observations and recommendations arising from the APPG visit to Nigeria during 4-10 November 2007.


Contact:
Elizabeth Donnelly
Africa Programme, Chatham House
Tel: +44 (0)20 7957 5718
Email Elizabeth Donnelly.


ENDS