LocationsProviding support for existing businesses in Northeast Nigeria
January 12, 2023
Maryam Tahiru
For business owners in communities recovering from conflict, additional support to enhance their capacity and promote economic recovery is important. The Community Preparation for Reconciliation and Reintegration Programme, implemented by UNDP and the European Union, is providing an integrated package for recovery for existing business owners in Northeast Nigeria to enable them to enhance their capacity which will eventually support the recovery of the local economy.
The support package being provided by the Community Preparation for Reconciliation and Reintegration Programme includes; business development training and cash grants to help boost the businesses of the local community. The goal of this intervention is to ensure that there is sustainable businesses and decent work for all while ensuring that no one is left behind.
Maryam Tahiru
58 years old Maryam is the head of her household. Married with 12 children, her husband is unwell due to the insurgency attack that occurred in 2009 and he was a victim of this attack. Prior to the crisis, Maryam was a well know businesswoman that supplied food items such as bags of rice, beverages, baking ingredients, to name a few, to small and medium scaled businesses. Sadly, she lost everything due to the crisis.
“The crisis took a lot from me and my family, I lost my business and had to start from scratch. It wasn’t easy at the beginning and to this day my husband hasn’t recovered since the day of the attack. So, I alone is responsible for the wellbeing of the family.”
Through the business support intervention, Maryam Tahiru was empowered with the sum of Eighty Thousand Naira only (N80,000.00) to support her business. She was also trained on business management and development skills. Presently, her business is doing very well, and she can now comfortably support her family.
Alhaji Grema Adam
Alhaji Grema Adam
Grema’s palm oil and vegetable oil business has not been stable as he doesn’t have enough funds to keep up with the demand. He took out a huge amount of money from the business to support his family members who were affected by the crisis. Grema nearly closed his business due to hardship and inability to afford his shop rent. Through the UNDP business support intervention, he has been able to pay his shop rent and revive his business fully.
“I was about to shut down my business and look for a handiwork to engage in. Thankfully, I was given a second chance at running the business through the support provided by UNDP and EU. I’m super grateful! Currently, I have employed two (2) people to work for me and the business is booming once again! " said Germa.
Germa wishes to have his own palm oil processing plant in Northeast Nigeria in the nearest future. He is already gathering all the knowledge of what it takes to establish one. He appreciates the European Union and UNDP for keeping his dream alive.
Mallam Musa Haruna
Mallam Musa Haruna
Prior to the insurgency, Mallam Musa was a businessman known for his success in his community and area. He retailed food items such as flour, rice, palm oil, and other food items. During the peak of his business years, Mallam Musa empowered a lot of youths from within his location and communities close by. As a result of this, many Youth are equally successful in their businesses today.
Musa lost his house and shop to the insurgency as he fled to nearby communities with his family for safety. He returned a few years ago to start afresh. Somehow, he managed to gather money that enabled him to open a small kiosk where he did small trading just to make end means. With the extra support from UNDP and EU, he has been able to expand his business. For Mallam Musa, this is somewhat a game-changer as he never expected such support
"I don’t know how to show my gratitude, but I promise to do well in my business and continue to support as many youths as possible in my own little way." he said.
