A former United Nations envoy has revealed that over N2.48 trillion (approximately $5.3 billion) has been spent on humanitarian aid to address the devastating consequences of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East over the past two years. The former envoy, who spoke at a regional conference on peace and security, highlighted the extensive financial and humanitarian efforts made by both the Nigerian government and international partners to alleviate the suffering of millions displaced by the terrorist group’s violent campaigns.
The insurgency, which has ravaged the North-East of Nigeria for over a decade, has left more than 2 million people displaced, with thousands killed and injured. Boko Haram’s relentless attacks on civilians, military personnel, and government structures have severely disrupted the social, economic, and infrastructural fabric of the region.
According to the former envoy, the amount spent on humanitarian aid underscores the immense scale of the crisis, which includes food aid, healthcare, shelter, education for displaced children, and rehabilitation programs for survivors. This financial outlay, however, comes with serious questions about the long-term sustainability of such interventions and the challenges of achieving lasting peace in the region.
The envoy emphasized the urgent need for a more integrated approach to tackle the root causes of extremism, such as poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment, that continue to fuel Boko Haram's insurgency. Additionally, the need for enhanced security measures to protect vulnerable communities from further attacks was stressed, alongside a call for greater coordination among international organizations, the Nigerian government, and local communities.
The situation in the North-East has led to significant international outcry, with donor countries and organizations mobilizing support to alleviate the humanitarian disaster. Despite these efforts, the ongoing conflict has made it difficult to provide a permanent solution to the suffering of millions of affected individuals.