The United Nations is set to launch a $910 million appeal this week to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria, which has been ravaged by an Islamist insurgency since 2009 and compounded by last year’s devastating floods. This appeal marks the most expensive humanitarian crisis in West and Central Africa, surpassing those in Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, according to UN documents.

About 7.8 million people in the northeastern states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe need assistance, with the UN’s plan focusing on providing aid to 3.6 million of the most vulnerable individuals in these regions. The crisis in Nigeria’s northeast risks being overshadowed by global attention shifting to other emergencies, such as those in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan.

A joint report by the Nigerian government and the United Nations in November shows that the country is grappling with one of its worst hunger crises, with over 30 million people projected to face food insecurity this year. The economic challenges in Nigeria have been exacerbated by President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of a fuel subsidy and the elimination of foreign exchange controls.

Inflation has remained in double digits, reaching 34.80% in December, while unemployment remains high, further driving up the overall cost of living. Despite these hardships, Tinubu maintains that these reforms are essential for placing the economy on a more sustainable path to growth.

The humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria has been ongoing for over a decade, with the Islamist insurgency causing widespread displacement and destruction. The floods last year further exacerbated the situation, leaving millions without access to basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare.

The UN’s appeal is a critical step towards addressing the crisis, but it also highlights the need for sustained international attention and support. As the global community shifts its focus to other emergencies, it is essential that the plight of those affected in northeastern Nigeria is not forgotten.

The appeal also underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of the crisis, including poverty, inequality, and lack of economic opportunities. The Nigerian government’s economic reforms, while intended to stimulate growth, have had unintended consequences that have worsened the humanitarian situation.

In conclusion, the UN’s $910 million appeal is a crucial response to the humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria. However, it is only the first step towards addressing the complex and deeply entrenched issues that have led to this crisis. Sustained international support, combined with effective governance and economic reforms, are necessary to ensure a lasting solution to this crisis.