01 October 2010
A woman carrying a bednet on her head in Kano, Nigeria. Picture: Malaria Consortium
As Nigeria celebrates 50 years of independence from the UK, we look at DFID's role in tackling poverty in the West African country and see what progress has been made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Today, 1 October 2010, marks the 50th anniversary of independence in Nigeria. Home to 151 million people, Nigeria has Africa's second largest economy. However, 96 million people live on less than $1.25 a day and one in six children die before the age of five.
The UK is one of the largest supporters of development in the country and although there has been much success in economic and health-sector reform, huge challenges remain in other areas. Twenty percent of Africa's poor are Nigerian and if we are to meet the MDGs in Africa, success in Nigeria is crucial.
Net gains
Nigeria has the highest malaria burden in Africa and UKaid from the Department for International Development (DFID) is helping to tackle the disease by supplying long lasting insecticidal bed nets to millions of people.
Throughout 2010, UKaid and partners are supporting the distribution of bednets to seven million households. By the end of the programme, 63 million nets will be distributed, making Nigeria the first country in Africa to offer universal coverage of bed nets to its entire population.
You can find out more about the distribution of bednets in Nigeria by reading a recent case study. Or visit our Malaria: breaking the cycle consultation to help shape the UK government's policy and plans for tackling malaria in the developing world.
Eradicating disease
Water and sanitation underpin all the MDGs, especially those concerning health, education and economic growth.
Starting in 2002, UKaid from DFID supported a water and sanitation programme with UNICEF to eradicate guinea worm in 16 endemic states in Nigeria.
Access to safe water is key to the eradication of this painful disease which is caught by drinking water that has been contaminated with larvae. By the end of 2009, 1,300 boreholes had been installed in the worst affected states in the country. Although eradication is yet to be confirmed, UKaid has helped to interrupt the transmission of the disease and there were no reported cases of guinea worm in Nigeria in 2009.
International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell today said:
"As we celebrate Nigeria's 50th year since independence, it is fantastic news that it looks like guinea worm has been wiped out there. Getting rid of this awful disease is a vital step forward in improving the lives of thousands of Nigerians; enabling them to access clean drinking water, earn a living and look after their families."
UKaid is now supporting a follow on programme with UNICEF to address further needs for hygiene, sanitation and clean water in Nigeria which will tackle other health issues such as diarrhoea.
Getting girls into school
Quality education is central to achieving the MDGs. 
In Nigeria, around eight million children of primary school age are out school and the majority of these children are girls.
The UKaid funded Girls' Education Project is encouraging more girls into Nigerian classrooms by training young, local women teachers. These qualified female teachers, who are likely to return to their rural villages, help to make schools girl friendly. They act as role models and mentors, promoting education and ensuring that parents are happy to send their girls to school.
More than 1,100 women have enrolled in teacher training since the project launched in 2008 and this figure is set to rise in 2010.
Find out more about how DFID helps to get girls into school in Nigeria.
Buses, trains and trade
With 15 million people, Lagos is one of the largest cities in Nigeria not to have a mass transit system.
Good transport networks and highways improve economic opportunities by linking large cities to rural areas. They open up trade, improve access to essential services and reduce travel times.
DFID advice helped to introduce bus lanes in Lagos which now provide 300,000 journeys per day. We are also supporting the introduction of rail lines which could carry up to two million passengers per day, reducing travel time and boosting productivity.
Protecting economic lifelines
Every week up to one million traders from across West Africa gather at the Maigatari market on the Nigeria-Niger border. The market is a vital economic lifeline and brings essential trade and commerce to one of the poorest areas of the world.
In 2002, DFID introduced the Security, Justice and Growth programme in Maigatari to create a safe environment for the traders and residents. Since the introduction of these UKaid supported reforms, crime has dropped and revenue from the market has doubled. In recognition of these successes, the state government has begun improving infrastructure such as roads, water and sanitation, which is helping to continue the fight against poverty in the area.
Video: Developing markets in Nigeria (Video by Chris Morgan)
Fifty years after independence, Nigeria has seen much success but huge challenges lie ahead before it realises its full potential.
The case for supporting Nigeria is overwhelming and the UK is proud to be playing its part to help the Nigerian people improve their lives and country.