MPP9 is a development programme embedded in the financing policy of the European Development Fund (EDF). Micro projects were initially formulated as a development instrument in the Lomé convention of 1975 regulating the development cooperation between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of countries (ACP), of which Nigeria is a partner. Reviews of the EU-ACP cooperation were negotiated every five years and the micro projects instrument was continuously improved incorporating the experience gained in the range of development conditions of ACP countries. As a follow-up the Cotonou Agreement was formulated in the year 2000, where Micro projects and decentralization instruments were linked.  Article 70 of the Cotonou Agreement refers to the proposed changes and states that they are in continuation of the Lomé convention a response to the needs of local communities. This cooperation enables more effectively the mobilisation of capacities, innovative methods and resource management of decentralised partners such as local governments and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

In this framework MPP9 is contributing to economic and social development in response to the felt needs of local communities in the nine states of the Niger Delta Region. The lessons learnt from MPP3 and MPP6 Projects implemented in the Niger Delta Region and funded by the European Union between 2000 and 2008 will be a guide for MPP9. A new approach in MPP9 is that in addition to community contributions the local governments are actively involved in the funding and implementation of projects.

MPP9 is funded by grants of the European Union with contributions of communities and local governments. The implementation agency is the National Planning Commission (NPC) of The Federal Government of Nigeria who is acting as National Authorizing officer adhering to EU-ACP agreements.

The programme is managed by a consortium of consultancy firms - Louis Berger SAS/GOPA. The Civil Society Organization grant component for community mobilisation is managed by The Community Development Foundation (CDF) – an organization with public service mission in Nigeria.