We work with governments, local organisations and communities in Nigeria and countries across Africa to deliver vital charity work and make sure everyone has the chance to thrive.
Sightsavers in Nigeria
Nigeria is the most populated nation in Africa, home to more than 230 million people who live in 36 states.
The country has a booming economy with emerging manufacturing and financial sectors. Yet one in four people in Nigeria live in poverty, with many facing high levels of ill health and social inequality.
Access to health care is improving in urban areas, although the public health system still lacks funding and resources. Those who can’t afford private medical care are often unable to access basic treatments.
To boost literacy rates and move away from low-paid agricultural work, more people are being supported to go to school, particularly girls and children with disabilities. This inclusive approach to education will ensure people are able to support themselves.
Sightsavers has worked in Nigeria for 70 years. We are registered locally as Sightsavers Nigeria Foundation.
Facts about Nigeria
- Population: 230 million
- Capital: Abuja
- Official language: English
- Human development index (HDI) ranking: 163 (low)
A group of women in Nigeria collect water in basins from a muddy river. They're surrounded by lush greenery.
What are the challenges in Nigeria, and how can these be addressed?
Eye care
The Nigeria national blindness and visual impairment survey estimates that 4.2% of people over 40 are blind.
Many people in Nigeria are unable to access basic eye care, leaving them at an increased risk of visual impairment and disability. Sightsavers’ charity work in the country is helping to develop a comprehensive and sustainable eye health system that can deliver high-quality, affordable services.
Infectious diseases
Nigeria carries 25% of the burden of neglected tropical diseases in Africa.
Infectious diseases that can cause permanent blindness and long-term disability pose a high risk to people here. Our work on neglected tropical diseases in the country focuses on trachoma, river blindness and intestinal worms.
Inclusion and equality
Not all people in Nigeria can claim their human rights.
People with disabilities and women and girls face stigma and discrimination in society. Our charity work on disability rights in Nigeria focuses on improving everyone’s access to health care, education and employment.
Fatima smiles broadly. She's wearing a pink headscarf.
“I’m happy my siblings have access to eye care, because it gives them the chance to live a life just like other people.”
Fatima, from Zaria city. Read her story
How you can help
Our charity work in Nigeria reaches almost two thirds of the population, but there’s still more we need to do.
With your support, we want to strengthen the health system, protect people from disease and create a ripple effect in Nigeria, so everyone can learn, earn and thrive. To do this, we need your help.
Charity donations, legacies, corporate partnerships and gifts from charitable foundations are a vital source of funding for our programmes in Nigeria. We also welcome opportunities to work in partnership with governments, institutions and development organisations.
Contact us: If you have any questions about our work in Nigeria, would like more information about our programmes or wish to discuss ways you can donate or support us, email [email protected]
Latest stories from Nigeria
Sightsavers Nigeria marks 70-year anniversary
Representatives from Sightsavers, the national and state governments and the global health community joined an event on 20 November in Abuja to celebrate Sightsavers’ achievements in the country.
November 2023
On data and disability: piloting the Child Functioning Module in Nigerian schools
Sightsavers’ Liesbeth Roolvink and Gillian Mackay share learnings from the SMILE project in Nigeria, where a new questionnaire is being used in schools to assess children’s educational needs.
Sightsavers, February 2023
Transforming education for every child in Kenya and Nigeria
In Nigeria and Kenya, two innovative education projects are enabling children with disabilities to reach their potential.
February 2023
Spectrum Markets helps children in Nigeria get sporty for World Children’s Day
Students in Nigeria celebrated by taking part in a football match using sports equipment donated by one of Sightsavers’ corporate partners.
November 2022
Transforming education: how we’re doing our homework too
Sightsavers’ Liesbeth Roolvink shares the work we’re doing in programme countries to help transform education systems so that all children can go to school.
Liesbeth Roolvink, October 2022
“Thank God for giving us a mother who loves us so much”
In Nigeria, one community is home to a family in which nearly every member has experienced visual impairment. Amina and six of her seven children have had eye surgery to treat cataracts, ensuring they all have the chance to thrive.
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