2024: A year of struggles, survival, and hope in northern Nigeria, by Maryam Rabiu
As we say goodbye to 2024, Nigeria stands at a juncture, especially in the northern part of the country, which has faced a year filled with serious challenges.
Northern Nigeria has been grappling with a multitude of challenges that have significantly tested its resilience. The region has seen a sharp rise in security threats, ranging from insurgent activities to banditry, which have created an atmosphere of fear and instability. Alongside these security issues, the region is also contending with a severe economic crisis, characterised by high unemployment rates, inflation, and dwindling resources that have strained livelihoods and pushed many families into poverty.
Moreover, the impacts of climate change have compounded these difficulties, leading to erratic weather patterns, desertification, and diminished agricultural productivity—challenges that particularly affect a population heavily reliant on farming and livestock.
Despite these overwhelming trials, the indomitable spirit of the people in northern Nigeria shines brightly. Communities are demonstrating remarkable resilience as they come together to rebuild their lives, adapt to new realities, and support one another in their quests for stability.
The Unrelenting Battle with Insecurity
Security concerns have increasingly overshadowed the events of 2024, particularly in the northern states, which have become hotbeds of insurgencies, banditry, and communal violence. The northeastern region, with Borno at its epicenter, continues to struggle under the weight of the Boko Haram insurgency, alongside various other extremist factions. Despite years of military intervention aimed at quelling these threats, the area still faces a precarious situation, as sporadic attacks persist, leaving in their wake a tragic toll of civilian casualties and extensive displacement.
The relentless violence in this region has not only disrupted the lives of countless individuals but has also eroded the social fabric of communities. Families fear for their safety, as they navigate where the threat of sudden assault looms large. Many have been forced to abandon their homes, leading to a humanitarian crisis characterised by a growing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who struggle with inadequate access to food, healthcare, and shelter.
As the conflict continues, numerous families find themselves trapped in a cycle of despair, scuffling with the loss of their livelihoods and a sense of hope for the future. The ongoing instability has left communities vulnerable, forging an environment where poverty and fear thrive, making the need for a comprehensive and sustained response more urgent than ever.
Banditry, particularly in the northwestern and north-central zones, has also escalated this year. Criminal groups continue to terrorise communities with kidnappings, killings, and theft, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary Nigerians to go about their daily lives.
Farmers, traders, and children are among the most affected, as many live in a constant state of uncertainty, with access to essential services like education and healthcare severely hindered.
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Economic Struggles: Rising Poverty and Inflation
The economic impact on the northern states of Nigeria has been profoundly devastating, resulting in a crisis that has affected the livelihoods of millions. A confluence of factors, including rampant insecurity, soaring inflation rates, and a beleaguered agricultural sector, has created a dire situation that has plunged vast populations into deep poverty. In particular, inflation surged dramatically in 2024, reaching levels that rendered even basic goods and services prohibitively expensive for the average Nigerian household.
The surge in prices has had a particularly severe effect on food availability, with costs for essential staples skyrocketing beyond the means of ordinary citizens. Families in rural northern areas, who often rely heavily on agricultural produce, are facing desperate circumstances. Many are struggling to secure enough food to meet their basic nutritional needs, leading to increased malnutrition and food insecurity.
Northern Nigeria, traditionally reliant on agriculture, has seen its farmers severely impacted by both the ongoing security issues and increasingly erratic weather patterns. With farmlands abandoned due to fear of attacks, and inadequate infrastructure to support agricultural growth, food shortages have become more prevalent, leading to malnutrition and hunger.
The youth, in particular, have been hit hard. With unemployment rates soaring, many have turned to criminal activities or migrated in search of better opportunities elsewhere. In a region already struggling with one of the highest poverty rates in the country, the economic difficulties of 2024 have left many wondering what the future holds.
The Almajiri Dilemma
The Almajiri system in Northern Nigeria represents an educational and social framework in which children, typically from low-income families, are sent to religious instructors (referred to as Mallams) to learn about Islamic teachings. The term “Almajiri” is derived from the Arabic word ‘Al-Muhajirun’, which translates to “migrants” or “seeker of knowledge.” Historically, this system centered around the concept of religious education and spiritual growth, whereby children resided with their educators with the intention of acquiring both religious and ethical knowledge.
Historically, the Almajiri system was integral to Islamic learning in the region, where children would study the Quran and Islamic jurisprudence, often under the guidance of a single teacher or in a small group. The children typically lived in basic conditions, learning humility, discipline, and respect for tradition.
However, over time, the system has evolved, and today it is often associated with challenges. The original intent of religious education has been overshadowed by various socio-economic issues, leading to concerns about the welfare of Almajiri children. Many of these children end up on the streets, begging for food, and are exposed to various forms of exploitation and neglect.
In some cases, the Almajiri system has been criticized for perpetuating poverty and illiteracy, as it often lacks the necessary resources, infrastructure, and formal education curriculum to equip children for future opportunities.
Efforts to reform the Almajiri system have been underway. The Nigerian government has introduced programs aimed at integrating formal education with religious instruction, providing modern classrooms, and addressing child welfare concerns. However, deep-rooted cultural and economic challenges continue to hinder the success of these reforms.
The Almajiri system remains a symbol of both the educational aspirations and the socio-economic struggles of Northern Nigeria, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to traditional values and modern educational needs.
Displacement and Loss in Borno
2024 brought shock to our dear people of Borno State. The sheer horror that accompanied the terrorist attack in Gwoza, on June 29, requires an unflinching exploration of the unthinkable depths of human depravity that have emerged in Nigeria.
This incident is not merely an event to be recounted but a profound tragedy that reveals a level of terror so intense that it seems to surpass the limits of our comprehension. The attack itself unfolded in a chaotic display of violence and fear, leaving a community shattered and grappling with the aftermath of unimaginable loss.
Another devastating chapter of 2024 for Borno was the disastrous flooding that wreaked havoc across numerous areas, with Borno State experiencing the most severe impact.
This deluge resulted in widespread destruction, with entire neighborhoods submerged and vital infrastructure, such as roads, hospitals, and schools, severely damaged or completely obliterated. The floods displaced tens of thousands of residents, forcing families to flee their homes in search of safety. Makeshift camps sprang up as people sought refuge from the rising waters, but access to clean water, food, and medical care quickly became critical challenges. The flooding caused extensive damage to homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, leaving many families homeless and vulnerable.
In Borno, already reeling from the effects of insurgency, the situation became even more dire. Refugee camps, which were already stretched thin due to the displacement caused by insurgency, found themselves overwhelmed with new arrivals seeking shelter and basic humanitarian aid.
The floods not only displaced families but also disrupted essential services, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Access to healthcare, food, and clean water became increasingly scarce as local governments and aid organizations struggled to provide relief.
Only by immersing ourselves in these grim realities can we begin to grasp the profundity of the agony experienced not just by the victims, but by a nation caught in the throes of an ongoing struggle against violence and terror.
Struggling Healthcare and Education Systems
Northern Nigeria is experiencing a strain on its healthcare and education systems. The region is grappling with widespread insecurity, which has been exacerbated by a myriad of economic challenges. This precarious situation has resulted in the closure of numerous schools, especially in rural communities where educational resources are already limited. The pervasive fear of attacks on educational institutions has created an atmosphere of anxiety among families, leading many to hesitate in sending their children to school. As a consequence, the prospects for education in these areas are diminishing, leaving a generation of children vulnerable and deprived of essential learning opportunities, while healthcare services struggle to meet the diverse needs of the population amidst this crisis. has kept children out of classrooms.
The healthcare system in northern Nigeria also continued to struggle, with hospitals and clinics overwhelmed by the growing number of displaced persons and the lack of resources to treat the sick. The disruption caused by the floods, combined with the continuing threats of disease outbreaks in refugee camps, has further complicated the region’s health crisis.
A Year of Resilience and Hope
In the face of the daunting challenges presented by 2024, the people of northern Nigeria have demonstrated an inspiring level of resilience and solidarity. Amidst ongoing struggles, communities have mobilized to support one another, banding together in various initiatives to provide both emotional and material assistance.
Humanitarian organisations have been relentless in their commitment to deliver aid, operating in often difficult and dangerous conditions to ensure that food, medical care, and essential services reach those in need. The collaborative efforts of both local and international NGOs have played a key role in addressing urgent issues such as malnutrition and healthcare accessibility, striving to uplift the living conditions of affected populations.
Local governments, while frequently hampered by underfunding and resource constraints, have made significant strides in improving security measures to protect vulnerable communities. They have also focused on rebuilding vital infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, which have been devastated by conflict and neglect. Additionally, efforts to provide relief to internally displaced persons have intensified, with various programs aimed at integrating them back into their communities and restoring their livelihoods.
Overall, the collective determination of the people and local authorities showcases a profound commitment to recovery and hope for a more stable future in northern Nigeria.
In Borno and other flood-affected states, recovery efforts have gone a long way, with rebuilding initiatives focusing on providing safe housing, restoring agricultural activities, and improving disaster preparedness. However, the road to full recovery remains long and uncertain.
As we look toward 2025, there is a sense of cautious optimism. The challenges faced by northern Nigeria in 2024 are formidable, but they have also brought the country closer together in terms of solidarity and cooperation. With continued focus on improving security, addressing economic disparities, and preparing for the effects of climate change, there is hope that the year ahead will bring better prospects for northern Nigerians.
In bidding farewell to 2024, we acknowledge the pain and loss experienced in northern Nigeria. Yet, we also recognize the unshakable strength of its people—people who, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, continue to hope, rebuild, and strive for a better tomorrow. May the coming year bring peace, prosperity, and healing to all corners of Nigeria, particularly the north.
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