The Community & Urban Integrated Development Authority (CUIDA) is committed to fostering sustainable development through a people-centered approach. Established with a clear mandate, our core mission is to mobilize, empower, and equip communities with the skills and resources needed to drive lasting change. By focusing on key areas such as urban development and food security, healthcare, income generation through agriculture, environmental sustainability, water and sanitation, and urban development, we aim to create thriving and resilient communities.

CUIDA’s efforts extend beyond short-term solutions; we believe in creating a foundation for long-term growth and prosperity. Through our programs, we work to uplift the most vulnerable populations, including the poor, marginalized, and those at risk of being left behind. Our initiatives integrate community empowerment with material and technical support, ensuring that communities have the tools they need to take control of their own futures.

With a multi-faceted approach, CUIDA operates in areas of sustainable agriculture—enhancing productivity and food security through modern techniques. We focus on improving access to clean water and sanitation, which are critical to public health. Our healthcare programs prioritize primary health services, while our advocacy and governance initiatives promote transparent, inclusive policies that empower communities to actively participate in their development.

In addition, we champion entrepreneurship and the adoption of appropriate technologies, helping communities create new economic opportunities and solve local challenges innovatively. CUIDA remains dedicated to driving inclusive, equitable urban development, ensuring that cities and communities evolve in ways that benefit everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

Organizational Structure

CUIDA operates under the guidance of a seven-member advisory board, which is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization. This board oversees organizational policies, evaluates project implementation, reviews achievements, and plans for future expansion. It also approves budget plans, financial reports, and audits, as well as makes decisions on contract agreements. The board is composed of distinguished individuals with expertise in agriculture, human rights, economics, banking, social research, advocacy, financial management, appropriate technologies, development studies, and other relevant fields.

The board also functions as the secretariat, the central office of CUIDA, which is staffed by a highly qualified and competent team led by the Executive Director. The secretariat includes 70 staff members, among them senior project officers, technical personnel, and support staff responsible for the technical operations of the organization. CUIDA has fully equipped field offices in Makurdi and its regional operational areas, where project activities are carried out. These offices are staffed by a dedicated team of professionals with expertise in project planning and management, agriculture, community development, healthcare training, capacity building, social research, water, and environmental sanitation. While the field offices enjoy a certain degree of autonomy, they remain accountable to the central secretariat in Makurdi. This structure helps to reduce bureaucracy and ensures smooth project execution.

The Group Leaders’/Farmers’ Forums, which consist of representatives from community groups, WASH management structures, and Village Health Teams. These forums serve as a feedback mechanism for CUIDA, providing insights and updates through extension staff or scheduled meetings.