Crown Agents, a long-established UK development contractor, is facing collapse due to severe financial issues. Staff pay for July has been cut by half, affecting about 350 employees in 20 countries.
In Nigeria, Crown Agents has installed over 200 solar systems in schools and healthcare centers, treated over 14 million people for tropical diseases, and distributed 10 million bed nets to fight malaria. They have been working in Nigeria for over 100 years, providing training and inspection services.
The organization’s financial troubles began when it was separated from the UK government in 1997, inheriting a large pension deficit. Cuts to UK foreign aid and increased competition have worsened the situation. Despite efforts to secure new funding, commitments were not forthcoming.
