NIGERIA: FY 2007 AMBASSADOR'S FUND FOR REFUGEES

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LAGOS 000407 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/W STATE FOR PRM STATE FOR INR/AA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREF EAID PREL NI SUBJECT: NIGERIA: FY 2007 AMBASSADOR'S FUND FOR REFUGEES REF: SECSTATE 27884 LAGOS 00000407 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNCHR) promotional phase of repatriation for Liberian refugees at the Oru Refugee Camp in southern Nigeria is set to expire on June, 2007. There are approximately 4,000 refugees remaining at the camp (3,200 Liberians and 780 Sierra Leonean) and approximately 275 individuals trying to integrate with the local Ijebu-Ode community. Imminent closure of the refugee camp leaves local integration one of the few remaining viable options for refugees still at the camp. For many of these refugees, some of whom do not speak English let alone Yoruba, local integration into the society and economy of Nigeria, where local inhabitants themselves struggle with poverty and unemployment, is challenging. ¶2. Post has received a proposal for the Ambassador's Refugee Fund to provide vocational skills training to 40 refugees and asylum seekers in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, near the Oru Refugee Camp (ORC). Other details in the proposal are listed in paragraph four. While Liberians make up the largest refugee contingent at the ORC, the vocational skills training would be available to all nationalities, including Congolese, Rwandans, Sierra Leonean, Sudanese, Cote d'Ivoirians, Liberians, Cameroonians and Guineans. Skills training would allow refugees to become more self-reliant, contribute to the host economy, and contribute to their country of origin if they choose to return. ¶3. The proposed implementing organization for this project is the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC),of the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. JDPC has a code of conduct that meets reftel requirements and is a registered Non-Governmental Organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission in Nigeria. JDPC operates throughout Nigeria and JDPC, Ijebu-Ode has worked with refugees since 1990 when they first began to arrive. JDPC also operates three programs (Diocesan Agricultural Development Program, Human Rights Program, and Women Empowerment Program) to strengthen women and rural communities, illustrating the organization's capacity and ability to manage the Ambassador's Fund for Refugees. ¶4. JDPC proposes to offer training in the following areas for 40 refugees: --Catering and Interior Decoration --English Language Classes --Plumbing --Air-conditioning and Refrigeration --Tye and Dye --Computer Studies --Spray Painting --Photocopying --Electrical Installation --Shoe Making ¶5. The total cost of this training is naira 2,721,600 (approximately USD 21,345). The JDPC would contribute naira 281,000 (USD 2200) while the grant would provide naira 2,440,600 (USD 19,142) in the following areas: --Quarterly strategic meeting with refugees at naira 15,000 per meeting: total-naira 40,000 --Payment for workmanship of 40 refugees with outside professionals at naira 15,000/person: naira 500,000 --Monthly transport allowance for 40 refugees to their workplace at naira 1,000/month: naira 480,000 --Monitoring of refugees at naira 15,000/month: naira 140,000 --Purchase of tools at naira 15,000/refugee: naira 600,000 --Salary for coordinating officer at naira 50,000/month for 12 months: naira 500,000 --JDPC Administration cost (8 percent): naira 180,600 GRANT TOTAL: naira 2,440,600 LAGOS 00000407 002.2 OF 002 TOTAL IN U.S. DOLLARS: USD 19,142.00 ¶6. Post has the authority and capacity to award this grant. PRM's consideration of this proposal is greatly appreciated. ¶7. For further information, contact Political Officer Amber Aura at AuraAA@state.gov or (234) 1-261-0050, ext. 254. LATIMER