Volunteering in Nigeria
Baba Peter Keita and son Richard Peter run a fish farm. They have received training from a VSO local partner
Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa and a vibrant country with huge potential. Yet despite being the largest economy in Africa, there is poverty amid the plenty.
A booming youth population brings its own challenges. Nigeria needs to create at least 2.5 million jobs every year for next decade if it is to meet the needs of its growing workforce. It’s vital that young people receive skills and training, yet across the country 10.5 million children are currently out of school.
We believe Nigeria’s young people are its greatest resource, and seek to put them at the heart of our programming. Some of our most exciting projects bring together Nigerian youth with UK volunteers participating in International Citizen Service, to empower young people as global citizens and agents of change.
The first five volunteers began work in Nigeria back in 1960. Since then, over 2,000 international volunteers have lived and worked here, supporting local communities, partner organisations and state structures in their efforts to fight poverty.
In fact, Nigeria has the distinction within VSO of hosting the largest number of international volunteers in one year (Over 270 volunteers in 1971)!
We would love another record-breaking year, so if you are interested in joining us, we would love to hear from you.
Volunteers in Nigeria
Forty years on: A former volunteer’s return to Nigeria
"In these days of questioning the effectiveness of volunteering and international development, it is encouraging to learn that an individual can make a difference."
Our team
Lucia Balonwu – Country director
Anand Kishore Das - Head of programmes
Contact us
Questions about volunteering in Nigeria? Please get in touch with us via email, we look forward to hearing from you.
Tel for education and livelihood: +234 808 380 4934, +234 703 230 5002, +234 809 688 944.
Tel for ICS: +234 902 968 4229, +234 902 968 4228
Email: info.nigeria@vsoint.org
Postal address:
VSO Nigeria
PO Box 2452
Garki
Abuja
Nigeria