STRENGTHENING GLOBAL SOLIDARITY AND EMPOWERING LOCAL COMMUNITIES: A HUMANITARIAN PERSPECTIVE ON NORTH EAST, NORTH WEST, AND NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA
By Comrade Suleiman A. Abubakar
As the world commemorates World Humanitarian Day 2025, the theme “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities” resonates deeply in Nigeria, particularly in the North East, North West, and North Central regions. These areas have been plagued by complex humanitarian emergencies, including insurgency, displacement, and poverty, highlighting the need for collective action and support.
The North East region has been severely affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, resulting in thousands of deaths, displacements, and destruction of infrastructure. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 7.1 million people in the North East require humanitarian assistance, with 2.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in need of shelter, food, and protection. The region is facing a dire humanitarian situation, with widespread needs for food, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), healthcare, and protection.
The North West region faces significant humanitarian challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts. These crises have led to displacement, food insecurity, and human rights abuses, exacerbating the vulnerability of affected populations. The Nigerian government and humanitarian organizations have responded with emergency relief efforts, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of these crises and provide sustainable solutions.
The North Central region experiences recurring conflicts between farmers and herders, resulting in displacement, loss of livelihoods, and human rights abuses. The region also faces challenges related to poverty, lack of access to basic services, and environmental degradation, further complicating the humanitarian landscape. Humanitarian organizations are working to provide emergency assistance and support peacebuilding initiatives, but more needs to be done to address the complex needs of affected populations.
Nigeria is a signatory to several international humanitarian policies, laws, and conventions, including the Geneva Conventions, which establish the principles of humanitarian law and protect civilians and prisoners of war in conflict situations. The United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement provide a framework for protecting and assisting IDPs, emphasizing the importance of dignity, safety, and access to basic services. Nigeria has also committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include targets related to reducing poverty, improving health and education outcomes, and promoting peace and justice.
To effectively respond to humanitarian crises, it’s essential to empower local communities and support Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Local NGOs. These organizations are best placed to understand the needs of their communities and develop targeted interventions. By leveraging the localization policy, CBOs and Local NGOs in Northern Nigeria can strengthen their capacities to provide humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable populations, including children, persons with disabilities, the aged, and lactating mothers. This approach will not only enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian responses but also promote sustainability and community ownership.
In light of the humanitarian challenges facing Nigeria, it is essential for state governments without Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs to establish such ministries. These ministries can play a critical role in coordinating humanitarian responses, developing humanitarian policies, and empowering local communities to take ownership of humanitarian initiatives.
As Nigeria commemorates World Humanitarian Day 2025, it is essential to recognize the importance of strengthening global solidarity and empowering local communities. By working together and leveraging international humanitarian policies, laws, and conventions, we can build resilience, promote peace, and support sustainable development in the North East, North West, and North Central regions.
The Nigerian government and international donors should increase funding for humanitarian initiatives in Nigeria, prioritizing support for IDPs, refugees, and host communities. Humanitarian organizations and government agencies should invest in capacity building for local communities, empowering them to respond to emergencies and support peacebuilding initiatives. The Nigerian government should develop and implement policies that address the root causes of humanitarian crises, promote resilience, and support sustainable development.
Some of the key areas that require attention include:
Food Security: Providing emergency food assistance and supporting sustainable agriculture practices to improve food security and reduce dependency on aid.
Shelter and Protection: Providing safe and dignified shelter for IDPs and refugees, and ensuring access to protection services, including psychosocial support and legal assistance.
Health and Nutrition: Providing emergency healthcare services, including maternal and child health, and nutrition support to vulnerable populations.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Providing access to safe water, sanitation facilities, and promoting good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
Education: Providing access to education for children and youth, including those affected by conflict and displacement.
By working together, we can build a more resilient and peaceful Nigeria, where humanitarian crises are mitigated, and communities can thrive. This requires a coordinated and collective effort from the government, humanitarian organizations, and local communities to address the complex needs of affected populations and promote sustainable development.
Comrade Suleiman A. Abubakar, a Human Rights Activist and Disaster Manager Writes from Yola, Adamawa State
Sulexy5@Gmail.Com
