CRS Partners in Nigeria

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) is the national administrative headquarters of the Nigerian Catholic Bishops' Conference. CSN advocates and coordinates activities by using the extensive network of 51 dioceses spread across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to provide health, justice, peace and development services. Catholic Relief Services collaborates with CSN in carrying out programs. The HIV and AIDS unit provides technical support and guidance in the Church's response to HIV and AIDS, while the justice, development and peace unit addresses issues of governance, peace and justice, and disaster responses across Nigeria. CSN is an important partner in the community-based care and support of HIV-positive Nigerians. CRS also supports CSN's Extractives Think Tank.

Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Center

CRS has worked with the Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Center (HRCRC) since 2002. CRS has supported training in conflict resolution for traditional leaders as well as capacity building training and personnel policy support. CRS also supports HRCRC through Access to Justice, providing legal support to local people awaiting trial and police station monitoring activities. HRCRC currently works in community conflict resolution with volunteers throughout Ebonyi state.

The Center for Social and Corporate Responsibility

CRS has worked with the Center for Social and Corporate Responsibility (CSCR) since 2002. Based out of Port Harcourt in the Niger Delta, CSCR works with 10 oil host communities including sites in Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states. The center focuses on building relationships between community leaders, the Niger Delta Development Commission and oil companies, with particular emphasis on Shell and Chevron-Mobil. They also work with corporations to promote social responsibility and empower community stakeholders.

Local Partner Treatment Facilities

To combat the spread of HIV and AIDS in Nigeria, local partner treatment facilities provide voluntary counseling and testing, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission services, and antiretroviral therapy to people in their communities. Fifteen sites in eight states provide the complete range of services while an additional twelve sites in six states focus primarily on prevention services.

The Diocesan Health Units

The health units of 10 dioceses in 8 states work with CRS on projects providing community-based care and support for orphans, vulnerable children and people living with HIV. Services are provided on the parish level across the diocese and include voluntary counseling and testing, palliative care, support groups, prevention, and the referral or provision of health care services.

The Diocesan Justice, Development and Peace Commission

Seven Diocesan Justice, Development and Peace Commission units partner with CRS on our emergency response and peacebuilding projects across six states.