In a stark report that sheds light on the growing humanitarian crisis in Nigeria, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has revealed that close to eight million Nigerians are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. The report, which highlights the exacerbating effects of conflict, food insecurity, and inadequate healthcare services, underscores the severe impact on vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
The latest situation report, issued by the UNFPA in its “Nigeria Situation Report #5,” paints a chilling picture of the ongoing struggles faced by millions in the country. According to the report, of the 8 million people in need, 1.8 million are women of reproductive age who face a heightened risk of gender-based violence (GBV) and limited access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. The agency also highlighted the alarming consequences of the ongoing crises, which include significant educational deprivation and growing concerns for protection, especially for women and girls in conflict areas.
“Conflict continues to ravage the northeastern part of the country, leaving communities torn apart and the most vulnerable populations exposed to exploitation,” said Marie B. Collins, a senior humanitarian advisor with UNFPA. “Women and girls are disproportionately affected, not only by physical violence but also by the loss of vital services and opportunities for their future.”
The Perils Faced by Women and Girls in Crisis Zones
The most significant concern raised in the UNFPA’s report is the escalating vulnerability of women and girls, particularly those in crisis settings. The report pointed to the disturbing rise in gender-based violence, noting that women and girls are often caught in a vicious cycle of insecurity and deprivation.
In addition to physical violence, the lack of access to reproductive health services remains a critical issue. The UNFPA emphasized the need for urgent interventions, particularly the provision of maternal healthcare, to prevent unnecessary deaths during childbirth and to protect the health of women in conflict zones. The situation is compounded by food insecurity, which exacerbates health risks and further endangers the survival of women and children.
“These women and girls are often left with little or no access to healthcare, education, or even basic protection,” said Collins. “The lack of reproductive health services is a dire problem, and it’s a reflection of the wider neglect of their needs during crises.”
The Alarming Situation of Children: Out-of-School and at Risk
The report also drew attention to the critical situation facing Nigerian children, especially girls, who are out of school due to ongoing conflicts. Nigeria currently has one of the highest rates of out-of-school children globally, with millions of children missing out on education, particularly in regions affected by insurgencies and insecurity.
“The absence of education increases the risk of children, especially girls, falling victim to early marriages, forced labor, and other forms of exploitation,” the UNFPA report stated. The agency stressed that the lack of education not only denies children a chance at a better future but also places them at heightened risk of abuse, including trafficking and sexual violence.
The detention of minors in connection with recent protests has added another layer of concern. In its report, the UNFPA raised alarm over the potential for minors to experience further violence and exploitation while in custody, citing the vulnerability of detained children to gender-based violence and physical abuse.
“The situation is compounded by reports of the detention of minors involved in protests,” Collins explained. “Children who are already facing extreme hardship are now being subjected to further trauma, especially with reports of sexual and physical violence in detention.”
A Call for Immediate Action and Aid
In light of the dire situation, the UNFPA has called on both local and international stakeholders to ramp up efforts to address the humanitarian needs of those affected. The organization is particularly focused on providing access to sexual and reproductive health services, educational support for children, and increased protection for women and girls.
The agency also highlighted the importance of addressing food insecurity, which has worsened due to the ongoing conflict, particularly in northeastern Nigeria. The situation has left millions of people in dire need of food assistance, with many facing starvation and malnutrition.
“We are calling on the Nigerian government, international organizations, and humanitarian actors to urgently scale up their response,” said Collins. “This is not just a crisis of survival; it is a crisis of dignity and human rights.”
Nigeria’s Struggling Health and Education Sectors
The report is a stark reminder of the challenges that the Nigerian government faces in addressing the health and education needs of its people. The conflict, particularly in regions affected by Boko Haram insurgencies and other militant groups, has caused widespread displacement and disrupted essential services.
Health systems are overwhelmed, with hospitals and clinics struggling to meet the needs of those displaced by violence. Furthermore, education has been severely disrupted, with schools either destroyed or used for military purposes, further complicating the already difficult task of providing quality education for millions of children.
In response to the UN’s findings, Nigerian officials have acknowledged the scale of the problem but noted the challenges in addressing such a widespread crisis, given limited resources and ongoing security concerns.
“The Nigerian government is working with international partners to tackle these challenges,” said a representative from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development. “We are committed to improving the living conditions of Nigerians affected by the crisis, but the situation requires a coordinated and sustained effort from all stakeholders.”
The Way Forward: Solutions and Hope for a Better Future
While the report paints a grim picture, it also underscores the resilience of affected communities and the potential for positive change if humanitarian efforts are scaled up and properly implemented. The UNFPA stressed that with adequate support, it is possible to reduce the suffering and provide the most vulnerable with a chance to rebuild their lives.
“This crisis is not insurmountable,” said Collins. “With the right support, Nigeria can overcome these challenges and ensure that its citizens, especially the women and children, are given the protection, healthcare, and opportunities they deserve.”
The UNFPA’s call to action resonates not only with international donors and humanitarian agencies but also with Nigerian citizens and civil society groups, who are urging the government to take more decisive steps to address the humanitarian crisis.
