SpringAid International Development (SAID Nigeria) is a registered non-profit organisation with a solid track record in community development, poverty reduction, entrepreneurship training, and human rights advocacy, particularly among women and youth in Imo State and other parts of Southeast Nigeria. Established by Revd Dr Chikezie Onuoha in 2009 as the Nigerian partner to SpringAid Sweden, SpringAid Cameroon, and SpringAid UK. SAID Nigeria has built strong institutional and operational capacities critical for successful project implementation.
Organisational Structure and Governance:
The highest decision-making body is the Annual General Meeting (AGM). This is the body that elects the board members who have oversight function over the management staff and ensure that the vision, objectives, and constitution and relevant external and internal policies are observed. SAID Nigeria is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of development professionals, community leaders, and legal experts who provide strategic oversight. The organisation has a full-time management team, including an Executive Director, Program Officers, Finance and Administration Officers, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) specialists. Clear policies and procedures guide its operations, covering finance, procurement, anti-corruption, child safeguarding, and gender equality.
Technical Expertise:
The organisation has extensive experience in designing and delivering entrepreneurship training, vocational skills development, financial literacy education, and micro-enterprise support. It has successfully implemented several community-driven projects, often in partnership with local government agencies like the Poverty Alleviation Bureau (PAB), Imo State Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition and Imo State Ministry of Gender and Vulnerable Groups. It has also partnered with Imo State House of Assembly and other organisations in Nigeria in the drive to its vision and goals.
Financial Management:
SAID Nigeria maintains a sound financial management system based on double-entry bookkeeping and accrual accounting. It operates project-specific bank accounts, ensures segregation of financial duties, and regularly undergoes internal and external audits. It has experience in managing donor-funded projects, ensuring compliance with international standards of transparency and accountability.
Community Engagement and Stakeholder Relationships:
SAID Nigeria has strong relationships with community-based organisations (CBOs), religious leaders, traditional leaders, women’s cooperatives, youth associations, and local authorities. This trusted presence facilitates grassroots mobilisation, participatory project design, and ensures that project interventions are community-driven and sustainable.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL):
The organisation has established MEL systems capable of tracking outputs, outcomes, and impacts using both quantitative and qualitative methods. SAID Nigeria’s staff are trained in data collection, analysis, reporting, and using results for adaptive project management and continuous improvement.
Experience in Advocacy and Policy Engagement:
In addition to service delivery, SAID Nigeria is active in policy advocacy, particularly in promoting women’s economic rights, youth employment, and inclusive local governance. It has successfully participated in multi-stakeholder platforms and influenced local government initiatives related to poverty alleviation.
Operational Presence:
SAID Nigeria operates from a fully equipped office in Owerri, Imo State, and has a Women and Youth entrepreneurship Development Centre at Amato- Alike, Ikenanzizi, Obowo, Imo State. It has established logistical systems for efficient project delivery, including transportation, communication tools, and safety protocols for staff and beneficiaries.
SAID Nigeria possesses the technical, financial, managerial, and operational capacities required to implement the proposed project effectively, ensuring high-quality delivery, compliance with donor’s requirements, and sustainable impact for the target communities.
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