NGOs in Nigeria: 20 Inspiring Organizations to Know

Learn about the most impactful NGOs in Nigeria. From education to health, see how these groups are transforming lives and communities.

There are thousands of Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Nigeria. Each of these NGOs serves various causes and purposes.

We’ve carefully written this article to present the top NGOs in Nigeria, their responsibilities and other relevant information.

NGOs in Nigeria

Read this section to discover the top NGOs in Nigeria creating real change. Learn who they are, what they do, and how you can support or join their impact-driven missions.

Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization of more than 10 million people. Amnesty International campaigns for a world where all enjoy human rights. 

Her vision is of a world where those in power keep their promises, respect international law and are held to account. Members of Amnesty International have the opportunity to use their expertise to support the NGO and to end human rights abuses.

Amnesty International fights for the following causes:

• Abortion
• Armed conflict
• Child right
• Climate change
• Corporate accountability
• Detention
• Discrimination
• Drug policy reform
• Energy transition
• Freedom of expression
• Gun violence
• Economic, social and cultural rights
• International justice
• Women’s rights, among many others

African Artists’ Foundation

The African Artists’ Foundation was founded in 2007 by Azu Nwagbogu. It was founded as a platform for contemporary African art and artists working in photography, fine art, video, ceramics, sculpture, performances, writing and curation industries.

It is based in Victoria Island, Lagos. It has also collaborated with organizations and institutions such as PhotoVogue, National Geographic, FOAM, Harvard Business School, Ake Arts and Books Festival, Alliance Française, Northern Irish Art Network (NIAN), Reuters Africa, Orange Culture, Modern Art Film Archive, and Foundation Zinsou.

African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) promotes African art, artists, and social development in Nigeria.

CLEEN Foundation

The CLEEN Foundation is a non-governmental organization founded in 1998. It is formerly known as the Centre for Law Enforcement Education.

The CLEEN Foundation’s mission is to promote public safety, security and accessible justice through the strategies of empirical research, legislative advocacy, demonstration programs and publications. The foundation partners with government, civil society and the private sector.

It is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a non-profit organization and has won several awards, including:

• Human Rights Award 2019 (National Human Rights Commission)
• The Best e-Governance Project 2016 (NITDA-Nihilent e-Governance Award)
• Advocate of Peace and Social Justice 2016 (The Limit Breakers’ Award)
• The Best NGO in ICT Deployment 2016 (NITDA-Nihilent e-Governance Award).
• MacArthur Foundation 2006 (Creative & Effective Institutions Award)

Development Generation Africa International

Development Generation Africa International (DGAi), is a registered non-governmental organization based in Abia state, ssoutheastof Nigeria. The NGO focuses on children, youth and community development and engagement, through skill-based training, capacity building and education.

It is in the Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) with the mission to promote and lift people from poverty towards prosperity through education and action projects that impact lives. 

Junior Achievement Nigeria

Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) is an NGO located in Lagos, Nigeria. It has branches in Abuja and Portharcourt.

Junior Achievement Nigeria helps young people learn about money, business, and jobs. They teach skills like financial literacy, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness. 

The NGO’s goal is to prepare youth for the real world through practical programs.

They celebrated their 25th anniversary in Lagos in October 2024, showing their long-term impact in Nigeria. 

Furthermore, their programs, like the Future First program with First Bank Nigeria, focus on career counseling and entrepreneurship.

Lagos Food Bank

Lagos Food Bank is one of the NGOs in Nigeria that operates primarily in Lagos and nearby areas.

They provide food and essentials to poor people, with a special focus on fighting hunger, reducing food waste, and helping vulnerable communities like the poor, widows, and orphans.

Lagos Food Bank runs programs like food drives, community feeding, and nutrition education. 

Additionally, they partner with local groups and associations to distribute food and support sustainable farming.

Northeast Regional Initiative

As its name portrays, the Northeast Regional Initiative’s outreach efforts focus on Northeast Nigeria. States like Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states, benefit from the efforts of this NGO.

The NGO works to rebuild communities affected by violence, especially from Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations. 

They focus on peacebuilding, providing jobs, improving infrastructure, and helping local governments work better.

USAID funds the Northeast Regional Initiative and has been active in Nigeria for years. 

Furthermore, they support projects like building schools, health centers, and water systems. 

Society for Family Health Nigeria

According to Wikipedia, Society for Family Health Nigeria (SFH) “is a pan-African non-governmental oorganization(NGO), founded in 1983 and incorporated in 1985.

The organization was founded by three Nigerians, Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, Mallam Dahiru Wali, and Hon. Justice Ifeyinwa Nzeako.”

SFH works to improve the health of Nigerians. They focus on family planning, HIV/AIDS prevention, malaria treatment, and maternal and child health. 

Additionally, SFH is one of Nigeria’s biggest health NGOs. They distribute materials like condoms, malaria drugs, and water purifiers. 

Tony Elumelu Foundation

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) was founded in 2010 by Tony O. Elumelu, an entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist who is passionate about Africa’s economic development.

TEF supports young entrepreneurs by giving them funding, training, and mentorship. They focus on creating jobs and growing businesses to boost Africa’s economy.

Moreso, The Tony Elumelu Foundation runs the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, which gives $5,000 in grants to young business owners. 

In the last couple of years, they’ve funded thousands of entrepreneurs across Africa, with a big focus on Nigeria. 

ACE Development Initiatives

ACE Development Initiatives is a non-profit organization committed to seeing a healthy environment in Africa. 

ACE focuses on research, intervention programs, and community development, focusing on education, health, and economic empowerment. They aim to improve lives through sustainable projects.

Like most NGOs, their projects rely heavily on both human and financial resources from donors and volunteer members.

Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger is a global non-profit started in 1979 by French doctors and scientists.

It started Nigeria-focused programs in 2010, focusing on nutrition, health, water, and sanitation. 

They work in conflict zones like Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Kano, where they treat malnourished children, support mothers’ nutrition, rebuild water systems, and teach good hygiene. 

Their headquarters in Abuja leads campaigns across states to provide safe water, feeding, and mental health support. 

ActionAid Nigeria

ActionAid started work in Nigeria in 1999 and became an independent Nigerian NGO. 

Its head office is in Abuja and it also works in all 36 states across over 250 communities. ActionAid helps people facing poverty, injustice, and exclusion. It focuses on women’s rights, education for girls, health, humanitarian support, and good governance. 

They train communities to demand fair services and support women to run businesses. They also help during floods, conflicts, and other emergencies. 

Care For Healthy Life Initiative

Care For Healthy Life Initiative is an NGO based in Nnewi, Anambra State. It was founded in 2018 and registered with CAC and SCUML.

The organization focuses on health education, HIV/AIDS awareness, hygiene, and helping vulnerable people. They run medical outreach, offer HIV testing, and provide counseling. 

Also, they support orphans, the elderly, and poor families with food, school fees, mosquito nets, and antenatal care. They also help with hospital fees and provide clean water and hygiene education. 

Care For Healthy Life Initiative strives to stop new HIV infections and improve wellness in communities.

Cecilia Nkemakolam Foundation

Cecilia Nkemakolam Foundation is a  Non-Governmental/Development Non-Profit Organization with 3 regional offices in Nigeria. It was granted Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations in 2010.

Since 2005, CNF has been working solely to support the Strengthening of Poor Community Systems in Nigeria towards effective and sustained Change.

Center for Democracy and Development

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) began in London in 1997 and opened in Nigeria in 1999.

Its main office is in Abuja, with branches in Lagos and Maiduguri. CDD is a think tank promoting democracy, human rights, peace, and security in West Africa.

They research governance, train leaders, and offer policy advice. They track government promises, such as through the Buharimeter tool. They also support deradicalization and reform in regions affected by conflict, like North‑East Nigeria.

Federation of Ogoni Women

The Federation of Ogoni Women Association (FOWA) was founded in 1992 in Port Harcourt. 

FOWA brings together Ogoni women to fight for human rights, environmental justice, and fair compensation. They educate women through workshops and lead campaigns against oil pollution in Ogoni land.

After the mass killings of Ogoni leaders in 1995, some members moved abroad and formed chapters like in St. Louis in the mid-1990s. 

They speak up for women, build awareness, and support peace in the Niger Delta. FOWA believes women’s voice and action are key to protecting their land and people. They stand strong for justice and healing in their communities.

Global Peace Development

Global Peace Development is a non-governmental organization that works for peace.

Their main office is in Abuja. However, they have an office in Kano State, Northern Nigeria.

The organization supports projects that bring people together and make life better.

Their focus is to stop fights between groups, help people forgive after fights, and help communities grow strong and peaceful.

Global Peace Development believes peace is needed for any community to improve. They work with local people and leaders.

LEAP Africa

LEAP Africa was founded in 2002, with its head office in Lagos, Nigeria. LEAP helps young people in Africa become leaders. 

They teach skills to make a positive change. The organization focuses on youth leadership and ethics, helping young people get jobs or start businesses and getting young people involved in their communities.

Additionally, they run training programs, give awards, and support young leaders.

Plan International Nigeria

Plan International has been operating in Nigeria since 2014 to advance children’s rights and equality for girls.

They believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination.

The organization focuses on protecting children, giving children good education, especially girls, healthcare for mothers and babies, clean water, and helping communities prepare for disasters.

Their key areas of work include:

• Ensuring children continue their education in safety 
• Reducing maternal and child mortality among marginalized and vulnerable women and girls
• Nutritional support for mothers and young children 
• Protecting children from violence  
• Empowering young people to stand up for their rights and call for accountability from leaders.

Slum2School Africa

Slum2School is a volunteer-driven development organization transforming society by empowering underserved children in slums and remote communities. They provide quality education, entrepreneurial skills, and psychosocial support to enable them to realize their full potential and become social reformers.

Slum2School focuses on getting out-of-school children into school. Giving them books, uniforms, and learning support. Fixing up school buildings in slums and using technology to help learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

CONCLUSION 

NGOs are helping to make life better for many people in Nigeria. They support the poor, fight for human rights, and bring hope to communities in need. Suppose you’ve ever wanted to help make Nigeria a better place. In that case, supporting an NGO, either by volunteering or donating, is a great way to start.