The Federal Government of Nigeria, alongside national and international partners, has launched an appeal for $306 million (approximately N450 billion) to accelerate the provision of food assistance, nutrition supplies, clean water, healthcare, and protection support to those in severe need in the Northeast.
This initiative comes as governors in the region meet to devise strategies for reviving the economies of the six states affected by ongoing conflict and insecurity.
The appeal targets the worsening food security and nutrition crisis in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states during the lean season from May to September 2024, according to a statement from the United Nations Information Center.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Malick Fall announced the release of $11 million from the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund to initiate the emergency response. “I am confident that we have the capacity to address these increased needs in support of Government efforts. What we need now are resources. Joining hands together, pooling resources, to save lives and stop the suffering,” Fall said.
The Government-led Cadre Harmonisé analysis released in March indicated that approximately 4.8 million people in the BAY states are facing severe food insecurity, the highest levels in seven years. The appeal aims to reach 2.8 million of these individuals.
“This food and nutrition crisis, compounded by soaring food prices, is primarily due to continued conflict and insecurity in the BAY states, alongside climate change impacts. It threatens to become catastrophic without immediate and coordinated intervention,” the statement said. The prices of staple foods like beans and maize have increased by 300 to 400 percent over the past year, making essential food items unaffordable.
UNICEF Nigeria’s Acting Representative Dr. Rownak Khan highlighted the critical situation, stating, “Approximately 700,000 children under five are projected to be acutely malnourished over the next six months, including 230,000 who are expected to be severely acutely malnourished and at risk of death if they do not receive timely treatment and nutrition support.”
### Northeast Governors Meet to Revive Region’s Economy
Governors from the Northeast are strategizing to revive their Boko Haram-ravaged economies, focusing on sectors like agriculture and solid minerals to attract investors and rebuild businesses.
Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum emphasized the importance of revamping the economic conditions of the region, noting that palliatives cannot be a permanent solution. He stressed the need for ongoing collaboration with security agencies to address the insecurity that has hindered economic activities.
Speaking at the 10th meeting of the North East Governors Forum in Bauchi, Zulum said, “The Northeast subregion has vast land for the cultivation of both food and cash crops, while animal husbandry is another area that deserves the attention of investors.” He also pointed out the untapped mineral resources in the subregion.
The forum’s chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed, commended Zulum’s leadership and reiterated the commitment to zonal unity and economic development. He highlighted the socio-economic changes following the recent election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the emergence of Dr. Agbu Kefas as the new Governor of Taraba State.
Governor Mohammed noted that although measures by the Federal and State Governments have been helpful, they are temporary. He stressed the need for long-term strategies to incentivize self-reliance and sustainable growth.
