Nigeria

Under Nigeria's southern delta region lays its blessing and its curse: oil. Oil has made Nigeria one of Africa's wealthiest countries, but also one of the most turbulent. Even though Nigeria's reserves are estimated at 34 billion barrels and natural gas reserves are among the top 10 globally, Nigerians are still mired in poverty. Despite increasing national revenues, high levels of unemployment and economic insecurity persist. Poverty is rife in this country of 140 million people, the most populated in West Africa. While health statistics are grim—life expectancy decreased from 47 years in 1990 to 44 years in 2005—Nigeria is now battling another scourge: HIV and AIDS. Nigeria has more people infected with HIV than any African country except South Africa.

Catholic Relief Services began working in Nigeria in the 1960s, but suspended programming in 1970. Following the country's return to democracy in 1999, CRS was invited to re-establish a presence by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria. CRS opened an office in the capital, Abuja, in July 2000, partnering with the Catholic Church and other community-based organizations on peacebuilding, governance, emergency response, and HIV and AIDS projects. CRS programs reach Nigerians in 19 of the country's 36 states. CRS Nigeria also collaborates with partners at the national level regarding health and natural resource issues.

P.M. Jose is CRS' country representative in Nigeria.