Hussaini Abdu steps down as Plan International Nigeria Country Director

17 FEBRUARY 2020

Plan International Nigeria’s Country Director, Dr. Hussaini Abdu, will be leaving his role at the end of February 2021 after 6 years.

Hussaini Abdu has been Country Director of Plan International Nigeria since 2015
Hussaini Abdu has been Country Director of Plan International Nigeria since 2015

Pioneer Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, Dr. Hussaini Abdu, will be leaving his current role at the end of February 2021, a statement from the organisation said.

Abdu joined Plan International in April 2015 from ActionAid Nigeria where he was the Country Director for 6 years.

He is leaving to take up a new challenge after steering the ship of Plan International in Nigeria to a remarkable position of a frontline girl and child rights international non governmental organisation in the country.

Dr. Fatoumata Haidara, Plan International’s Director of the Sahel Region, praised Abdu’s leadership and achievements in promoting the ideals of the organisation.

Significant growth

“Under his leadership we’ve seen programmes grow significantly in the last 6 years becoming one of the largest in the region and leading on a large and complex humanitarian response in the Lake Chad Basin,” she said.

Under his leadership we’ve seen programmes grow significantly.

“In the last 4 years, Hussaini has been an important pillar for our Lake Chad programme, involving the neighboring countries of Niger and Cameroon.” 

Maike Roettger, National Director, Plan International Germany also lauded Abdu’s achievements. She said: “It was a privilege to work with you and learn from you during my visit to Nigeria. I think it was the most impressive visit I ever experienced. The success of the Lake Chad Programme which changed the lives of so many people, children, especially girls is mainly your success.”

Incredible leader

Also reflecting on the outgoing Country Director’s role in building the Nigerian programme was Nadine Grant, Vice President, Programme & Business, Plan International Canada. She said “I remember the early days when you had to set everything virtually from scratch and now it is a huge operation. Congrats for all you have done for the girls and boys in Nigeria and for being an incredible leader here in Plan International.” 

For nearly 6 years under the leadership of Hussaini Abdu, the organisation expanded rapidly and currently runs projects with 80 grants both in development and humanitarian intervention worth €83.4 million.

The search for Abdu’s replacement is currently being led by Plan International West and Central Africa Regional Hub.

Share