JICA Nigeria

From Knowledge to Nourishment in the FCT!

Last February, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) supported the training of health workers, pregnant women, and caregivers across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) turned learning into action through impactful Maternal Infant and Young Child Feeding (MIYCF) training and hands-on cooking demonstrations. The training which lasted from 16th to 19th February 2026 was done in collaboration with the FCT Primary Healthcare Board.

From Valencia Hotels, Abuja to Lugbe, Tungan Maje, and Mpape PHCs, Abuja, over 500 participants were empowered with practical skills on:
✓ Exclusive breastfeeding & early initiation.
✓ Age-appropriate complementary feeding
✓ Safe food preparation & hygiene
✓ Preparing affordable, nutrient dense meals like Groundnutty pap, Tom Brown, pumpkin potage & maize bean porridge enriched with dark-green leafy vegetables and fish, etc.

Beyond the food demonstrations, myths around maternal and child nutrition were cleared away, confidence was boosted, and frontline health workers strengthened their capacity to deliver lifesaving nutrition services during the first 1,000 days of life.

A big shoutout to our dedicated healthcare workers and partners who are committed to cascading this knowledge and sustaining monthly cooking demonstrations in their facilities.

Together, we are nourishing healthier mothers, stronger children, and brighter futures in the FCT. 💪🏽✨

https://www.jica.go.jp/english/domestic/tokyo/information/topics/2025/1579227_67056.html

Inside the World of JICA Students (Part ⑯) - JICA The Graduate Course Program Division in JICA Tokyo is currently hosting Japanese university and graduate students participating in the 2025 JICA Internship Program. This article features an interview conducted by one of the interns with an international student from a developing country. Interviewer...

A COURTESY VISIT BY EOJ/JICA TO THE FCT MINISTER TO STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT.

On 24th March 2026, the Embassy of Japan (EOJ), led by Ambassador H.E. Suzuki Hideo, alongside the Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr. Ishigame Keiji, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, in Abuja. The Honourable Minister expressed great pleasure in receiving the Ambassador for the first time and emphasized his commitment to fostering a strong and collaborative relationship with Japan.

During the meeting, the Minister commended the Embassy of Japan and JICA for their impactful contributions to the development of the FCT, particularly in key sectors such as education, overseas training of FCTA staff in Japan, nutrition, and agriculture. He also fondly recalled his visit to one of JICA’s education projects during his tenure as Minister of State, highlighting the agency’s lasting impact.

A major highlight of the discussion was the Abuja Master Plan Project, which the Minister described as a “top priority”. He assured the delegation of his full support in ensuring the successful implementation of the project. The Minister also welcomed JICA’s proposal to host him and his team in Japan for a study tour. Reaffirming his commitment, the Honourable Minister pledged continued support to both the Embassy of Japan and JICA in advancing developmental projects within the FCT.

In his remarks, Ambassador H.E. Suzuki Hideo thanked the Honourable Minister for the warm reception and expressed his readiness to strengthen cooperation between Japan and the FCT. Similarly, the Chief Representative of JICA Nigeria Office, Mr. Ishigame Keiji, provided further insight into the ongoing implementation of the Abuja Master Plan Project being supported by JICA.

Key attendees at the meeting included the Chief of Staff, FCTA; Executive Secretary, FCDA; Mandate Secretary, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation & Public-Private Partnership; and Mandate Secretary, Education. Also, present were the Legal Adviser to the Minister and the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation.

This visit marks another important step in strengthening Nigeria-Japan relations and deepening cooperation for sustainable development in the Federal Capital Territory.



Photo source: on X.

On the 5th of November 2025, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) co-hosted a workshop on Climate Change Adaptation focusing on Flood Disaster Management. The event was held at Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria.
The workshop was facilitated by JICA experts with support from NEMA. It brought together stakeholders from government institutions, development partners, and community-based organizations to exchange knowledge and strengthen coordination mechanisms for effective flood disaster management.
The result generated from the robust discussions in this workshop will contribute to the strengthening of climate change adaptation, community resilience, and coordination frameworks for flood disaster risk reduction and management in Nigeria.

Strengthening Primary Healthcare in Adamawa State

JICA Hands Over Newly Constructed and Upgraded Health Facilities in Collaboration with IOM

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has officially handed over newly constructed and upgraded Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities to the Adamawa State Government.

Funded by the Government and people of Japan through JICA and implemented by IOM, the initiative aims to improve access to quality healthcare for internally displaced persons, returnees and host communities across Adamawa State.

His Excellency, Ambassador SUZUKI Hideo, the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, delivered a goodwill message at the ceremony, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s health systems and strengthening community resilience. JICA also extended a goodwill message, highlighting Japan’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria in promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

Guests later toured the new facilities, which showcased modern medical equipment in the wards and labour rooms including delivery beds, oxygen tanks, suction machines and other essential tools to enhance maternal and child health services.

Under this initiative, four new PHCs have been constructed, while five others have been renovated and upgraded. All facilities are fully equipped, powered with 24-hour solar energy systems and supported by 24 solar-powered water supply systems to ensure uninterrupted access to clean water.

This project stands as a testament to Japan’s commitment to improving healthcare access and leaving no one behind.

On Monday, October 13, 2025, the Chief Representative of JICA Nigeria Office, Mr. Ishigame Keiji led the JICA education Team and consultants to the signing ceremony held between the Universal Basic Education Commission ( ) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency ( ) for a newGrant Aid project under development titled:
🎓 “The Project for Educational Environment Improvement at Model Schools for Basic Mathematics, Science and Pre-Vocational Education.”
This project represents a strong step forward in transforming Nigeria’s foundational education system—focusing on equipping model schools with improved infrastructure, learning tools, and teaching capacity in STEM and pre-vocational education. Special commendation goes to the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Mrs. Aisha Garba, for her visionary leadership and relentless dedication to improving the quality of basic education across Nigeria 👏🏽
🤝 JICA’s commitment to Nigeria is long-standing and impactful. Through sustained cooperation, JICA continues to invest in the future of Nigerian children by supportingquality education, teacher training, and modern educational environments. This latest project reaffirms Japan’s dedication to ensuring every child in Nigeria has access to a solid and practical basic education.
We thank our partners at JICA for their unwavering support in building a brighter future for Nigerian learners!🌍📘🛠️

🌟 SheaPure Wins QUEST: JICA Co-creation x Innovation Program! 🌟

JICA Nigeria is excited to announce that SheaPure, a startup company led by Ms. Aisha Sidi Rilwan, has been selected as one of the 10 winning startups in the just concluded, prestigious JICA QUEST Co-Creation Program!
After a rigorous screening and pitch presentation process, SheaPure emerged as one of the startups from across the world, chosen to receive support for their innovative project, which utilizes supercritical fluid technology to revolutionize shea butter extraction in Nigeria. Aisha’s solution deploys thecutting-edge Japanese green technology, developed by Prof. Watanabe of Tohoku University to achieve high grade, pure shea butter production.
JICA Nigeria looks forward to supporting SheaPure as they implement their Proof of Concept, driving sustainable innovation and economic empowerment in Nigeria and beyond.
Read more about QUEST here: About QUEST Program – QUEST
Development

Strengthening Partnerships: RMAFC Chairman Visits JICA Nigeria Office

On Monday 4th August 2025, the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello, led a high-level delegation of his management team on a courtesy visit to the JICA Nigeria Office in Abuja. The team was warmly received by Mr. Yamamoto Tetsuya, Senior Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The visit was aimed at fostering collaboration between RMAFC and JICA, particularly in capacity building for revenue mobilization and fiscal policy implementation.

Dr. Bello emphasized the importance of the partnership considering the recent signing into law of the Nigerian Tax Reform Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As the regulatory body overseeing revenue generation and allocation in Nigeria, RMAFC is eager to strengthen the capacity of its staff to effectively execute its mandate.
In response, Mr. Yamamoto highlighted JICA’s readiness to support RMAFC’s objectives through its Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) for short term training courses and the African Business Education (ABE) Initiative for Youth, which offers master’s degree opportunities in Japanese institutions. These programs are designed to equip Nigerian professionals with global-standard training and skills necessary for impactful governance and development. The visit marks a significant step toward deepening Japan-Nigeria cooperation in public sector efficiency and fiscal reform.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency ( ) Office, in collaboration with the JICA Initiative, successfully organized a two-day Kaizen Seminar and Workshop from 16th to 17th July 2025 in . The event brought together about 90 participants from key public sector institutions across Nigeria, aimed at enhancing , , and service delivery through the adoption of the Kaizen philosophy — a approach for . The seminar, designed for directors and high-level management staff in the sector, recorded the participation of over 40 directors and deputy directors, while the workshop for mid-level officers attracted 45 participants. The training was facilitated by experienced resource persons from the of in , who shared practical insights and success stories from across Africa.
In his opening remarks, the of JICA Nigeria Office Mr. Yuzurio Susumu reiterated JICA's commitment to supporting Nigeria's drive for public sector reform and productivity improvement. The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning ( ) delivered a welcome address, emphasizing the importance of Kaizen in achieving national development objectives. Prominent organizations represented included , , , , , , , , and , among others. The interactive sessions offered participants hands-on strategies to promote a culture of efficiency, waste reduction, and quality improvement in public service delivery. As Nigeria intensifies efforts toward institutional reform and sustainable development, the Kaizen approach provides a practical tool for building a high-performing, -centered public sector.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency ( ), Nigeria office in collaboration with the National Teachers’ Institute ( ) successfully held a 2-day SMASE(Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education) training workshop on 24th and 25th June, 2025 in Nasarawa State.
The workshop brought together lecturers from the College of Education, Akwanga, alongside head teachers from selected Effective Schools and Science Primary Schools in Nasarawa. The focus was to introduce participants to the ASEI (Activity, Student, Experiment, Improvisation) and PDSI (Plan, Do, See, Improve) approaches—innovative, learner-centered methodologies under the SMASE program.
This training marks a critical step in strengthening pre-service and in-service teacher capacity, as participating lecturers are expected to cascade the knowledge to pre-service teachers and facilitate School-Based Trainings ( ) for in-service educators across the state.
JICA introduced the SMASE approach to Nigeria in 2006, drawing experiences in Kenya and other parts of Africa. Since then, it has played a pivotal role in strengthening teacher capacity and promoting quality educationthrough continuous professional development.
Together, we are laying a foundation for sustainable improvements in STEM education and teacher development in Nigeria.

Strategic Meeting with Dr. Aisha Garba from UBEC
The Japan International Cooperation Agency ( )Nigeria Office, led by its Country Representative, Mr. Yuzurio Susumu, held a strategic meeting with the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission ( ), Dr. Aisha Garba, alongside senior management staff, to discuss progress and new initiatives in the Nigerian education sector.
The meeting centered on providing updates on the Grant Aid Project intended for constructing facilities and Improvingquality of Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) for Effective Schools. also presented upcoming Technical Cooperation designed to further enhance and across the country through employing digital technology and public-private partnership to garvanizeSTEM education and school management.
Also present were representatives from the National Teachers' Institute ( ), who gave an overview of the impactful Program (Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education). This program, backed by , continues to promote learner-centered teaching practices and capacity building for educators nationwide.
This high-level engagement reflects the enduring partnership between Japan and Nigeria, and reaffirms JICA’s commitmentto supporting sustainable development through education and human capacity building.