MATER AFRICA – NIGERIA
Emergency Response, Outreach & Social Impact in Nigeria
Our Work in Nigeria
Humanitarian Action, Outreach and Community Support
Mater Africa operates across Nigeria with a focus on emergency response, community outreach, child protection and bilateral cooperation. Our work is grounded in direct presence, field operations and long-term engagement with vulnerable communities.
Emergency Response
Mater Africa provides rapid humanitarian assistance in crisis‑affected areas. Our emergency work includes distribution of essential goods, basic medical support, evacuation assistance and protection services for vulnerable families. We operate in challenging environments, ensuring dignity and continuity for people with no access to basic services.
Community Outreach
Our outreach teams work regularly in underserved communities, including Makoko and other high‑risk areas. Activities include health and hygiene support, educational assistance, family counselling, sanitation awareness and monitoring of vulnerable households. Our presence is constant, even during heavy rains, floods and structural instability, ensuring that families receive continuous support and protection.
Distance and Emergency Sponsorships
Mater Africa supports children and families through tailored sponsorship programs that ensure access to education, healthcare, food security and safe living conditions. Each sponsorship is monitored directly by our field teams to guarantee transparency, accountability and real impact on the lives of the beneficiaries.
Nigeria–Italy Bilateral Projects
Mater Africa leads institutional cooperation initiatives between Nigeria and Italy. Among these, the Mattei Passport Nigeria–Italy Project aims to create training pathways, mobility opportunities and development programs that strengthen institutional bridges between the two countries. Further details and updates will be shared as the program progresses.
What We Have Done in Makoko
Since the establishment of the Mater Africa Emergency Tent, our team has carried out continuous humanitarian activities in Makoko. These include emergency distributions during floods, support for families living in unsafe structures, assistance to children at risk, and direct intervention during critical weather events. Our presence has provided stability and protection in a community where institutional support is often absent.
Challenges and Critical Issues
Makoko faces severe challenges: recurrent flooding, unstable housing, lack of sanitation, limited access to healthcare and high exposure to environmental hazards. Operating in this context requires daily resilience, as our team works under heavy rain, mud, structural instability and the constant risk of water contamination. Despite these conditions, we remain committed to ensuring safety and dignity for the families we serve.
A Unique and Essential Presence
Mater Africa is currently the only structured humanitarian presence operating consistently inside Makoko. Our work is recognized by local leaders, community members and Nigerian media, who acknowledge the continuity and transparency of our interventions. We operate without financial return, driven by responsibility, credibility and the trust we have built over years of engagement. In a context where visibility and reputation are essential, our presence makes a tangible difference.
Makoko in Images
A visual overview of our daily humanitarian work in Makoko: emergency response, community outreach and the resilience of the families we support.
How You Can Support Makoko
Your support helps us maintain our daily humanitarian presence in Makoko, ensuring emergency response, medical assistance and protection for families living in extremely vulnerable conditions. Every contribution strengthens our ability to act quickly and transparently where help is most needed.
Support Our Work