NIGERIA: ONE OF THE MOST POPULOUS COUNTRIES IN AFRICA CALLS FOR HUMANITARIAN AID

Despite its Enormous Economic Potential Generated by Oil, Nigeria Faces Serious Humanitarian Challenges

Nigeria is one of the most populous countries in the African Continent and also has one of the highest birth rates in the world.

But the multiplicity of the Nigerian reality brings together the complexity of humanitarian aid efforts in order to guarantee the well-being of millions of people.

This situation has been a test of the perseverance of many Jethro Civil Diplomats serving in Nigeria.

Nigeria and the Armed Conflicts

The Persistence of Armed Conflicts Leaves Entire Communities without Access to Housing, Education, and Basic Services.

It is estimated that more than 2.2 million people are internally displaced in the northeastern region, living in refugee camps or temporary shelters.

Extremist groups, such as Boko Haram and its faction ISWAP (Islamic State in West Africa Province), continue to carry out attacks.

The Agrarian Conflicts in Nigeria

Agrarian conflicts between farmers and herders arise mainly from disputes over land use and water resources.

Farmers need land for cultivation, while herders, often belonging to nomadic communities, rely on the same areas for grazing their livestock.

The scarcity of resources, exacerbated by climate change and environmental degradation, intensifies these disputes.

This scenario is leading to violent confrontations that frequently result in loss of lives and destruction of property.

Flooding and Food Insecurity

According to recent data, more than 25 million Nigerians are at risk of acute hunger.

Especially in regions most affected by conflicts and flooding, which increases dependency on international humanitarian aid.

Education is At-Risk in Nigeria

According to UNICEF, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with more than 10 million young people deprived of access to formal education.

The lack of access to education perpetuates a cycle of poverty, preventing new generations from developing the skills needed to improve their living conditions and contribute to the country’s development.

Nigéria: Humanitarian Response and Future Challenges

National and international organizations have been striving to address crises in Nigeria by providing food aid, medical care, shelters, and educational support.

However, the multiplicity of the reality and the magnitude of these challenges requires broader and sustained collaboration.

Addressing humanitarian issues in Nigeria requires integrated solutions that combine emergency initiatives with long-term strategies to promote peace, improve infrastructure, and strengthen health and education systems.

Major Humanitarian Organizations in Nigeria

Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operate in Nigeria to alleviate the humanitarian challenges faced by the population. Some of the key NGOs include:

– Doctors Without Borders (MSF)
– International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
– Save the Children
– UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)
– World Food Programme (WFP)

Investing in sustainable solutions to address the impacts of flooding and ensuring communities have access to resilient livelihoods is also crucial.

The scarcity of water and arable land, unemployment, and poverty have driven many people to engage in criminal activities.

Only through joint efforts will it be possible to alleviate human suffering and create a more promising future for the Nigerian population.