With a population of almost 220 million people, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the world’s sixth most populous country. Nigeria has been facing growing instability and fear due to Boko Haram’s mutiny against the Nigerian government since 2009, particularly targeting the northeast and committing large-scale acts of violence. More than 2.9 million Nigerians have no choice but to flee their homes to seek refuge in neighboring countries, leaving behind crops and vital necessities for survival. Ultimately, this has resulted in a humanitarian crisis as many Nigerians move into poorer regions and refugee camps where food, water and shelter are dangerously limited.

However, since 2018 ShelterBox has been aiding Nigeria by saving and protecting the lives of thousands affected by Boko Haram, as well as providing general support as a result of climate-driven scarcity worsened by conflict in the Lake Chad Basin.

Improving Food and Water Insecurity

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Nigeria faces a humanitarian emergency. More than 8.3 million Nigerians require emergency assistance, 80% of whom are women and children. Around 314,000 Nigerians have died from food insecurity due to the decline of agricultural production, which is a major catalyst affecting public health in Nigeria and has been worsened by conflict in the Lake Chad Basin, flooding and extreme weather. This has resulted in the displacement of 3.2 million and leaves 10.6 million Nigerians in need of humanitarian assistance as the majority of the Lake Chad population depends on agriculture, livestock, fishing and manual labor for survival, according to Refugee International.

ShelterBox and their partner ACTED are aiding Nigeria by providing lifesaving items such as kitchen sets, water containers and purification equipment to reduce food and water insecurity, enabling Nigerians to rebuild their lives, according to its website. Because of the effects of flooding, extreme weather and military-enforced movements, Nigerians are prevented from effectively growing and harvesting crops to support their livelihood. However, by providing kitchen sets, water containers and purification equipment, food and water insecurity is decreasing as ShelterBox and ACTED have successfully helped over 7,300 families from 2018 to 2022, according to its website. Additionally, water purification equipment has enabled Nigerians to access safe and clean water, significantly reducing the chances of disease from dirty water.

Providing Shelter and Security

With no choice but to flee their homes in search of safety away from conflict and food insecurity, more than 2 million Nigerians remain displaced from homes in the northeast of Nigeria, as of 2019. Thousands have no choice but to live in overcrowded displacement sites which are significantly below international minimum standards. Although some Nigerians choose to build improvised shelters with sticks and ripped fabric, it does not provide efficient shelter from extreme weather and provides no privacy or security, making women and children in particular even more susceptible to intrusions and attacks.

There are 9.7 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in the Lake Chad region, according to ShelterBox. In partnership with other charities, ShelterBox has been aiding Nigeria by providing tents, shelter kits, rope, tarpaulins, mosquito nets, solar lights, blankets and other lifesaving necessities to increase the security and health of Nigerians amid the humanitarian crisis.

From 2018 to 2022 in partnership with IEDA, ShelterBox has been successfully aiding more than 100,000 refugees and displaced Nigerians. Additionally, ShelterBox has provided a type of shelter known as the Bama shelter to more than 30,000 Nigerians in the epicenter of the crisis in partnership with ACTED.

The Bama shelter is large enough for a family of five; it has a timber-framed structure with tarpaulin material for the wall and the roofing structure, ShelterBox reports. Windows provide natural sunlight and ventilation and for extra safety, the shelter has a secure lockable door to prevent intrusions and attacks. ShelterBox also provides sleeping mats, blankets and mosquito nets, allowing Nigerians to start again with a safe and comfortable lifestyle.

Aiding Nigeria Through the Crisis

After many years of instability, ShelterBox and other charities have worked tirelessly to aid Nigerians through the humanitarian crisis which remains an ongoing issue after ten years since the conflict began. Overall, Boko Haram seems to be at its final stages of conflict, however, aiding Nigeria remains vital. Other factors such as extreme weather patterns and flooding have resulted in food and water instability amongst Nigerian communities which continues to worsen as years go by.

– Emily Whatley
Photo: Flickr