The Sahel and Lake Chad regions are grappling with a deepening humanitarian crisis, and Nigeria is at its very heart. The country’s northern borders lie on the frontlines of these challenges, and Nigeria now faces both a pressing need and an unparalleled opportunity to lead the way toward sustainable solutions for the millions displaced by conflict, poverty, and environmental degradation.
At a recent donor conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Director-General of Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) took the podium, representing Nigeria’s commitment to addressing these crises. The conference, organised by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), the United Nations, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, brought the global community together, pledging over a billion dollars to support displaced people in countries including Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
For Nigeria, this support carries a weight of responsibility: to use these resources to build lasting resilience in the region. Through NEMA, Nigeria has a chance to take the lead, championing strategies that not only provide immediate relief but also lay a foundation for enduring progress.
NEMA, as Nigeria’s primary agency for disaster and emergency management, has consistently been on the frontlines, tackling everything from natural disasters to complex crises. But the Director-General’s message at the Jeddah conference was clear: the agency’s mission must go beyond quick responses.
With deep experience on the ground, NEMA is well-positioned to shift its focus from emergency relief to long-term solutions, ensuring that humanitarian aid can spark sustainable growth. The agency’s goal now should be to use these resources in ways that help affected communities become self-reliant, not dependent on constant aid.
The crisis in the Sahel is not just a humanitarian challenge; it is also a national security threat. Insurgent groups exploit the instability, posing a direct danger to Nigeria. NEMA can play a vital role here, coordinating with neighboring countries to secure Nigeria’s northern borders.
Working with local and international partners, NEMA has an opportunity to support grassroots efforts that help communities stand firm against insurgency. By integrating security into its relief strategy, NEMA can help stabilize vulnerable areas, making it harder for extremists to exploit them.
Northern Nigeria, hosting both refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), faces immense social and economic strain. Many local communities are struggling to keep up with the increased demand on their resources. NEMA, with its infrastructure and reach, could lead in empowering these communities economically.
By investing in skill-building and job creation, particularly in agriculture and small businesses, NEMA could ease the burden on local resources, creating jobs and reducing reliance on aid. At the Jeddah conference, one message stood out: humanitarian aid must be connected to sustainable development.
NEMA should rethink its approach, aiming to go beyond short-term relief. Aligning international aid with local development goals would help bridge gaps and address root issues. For example, healthcare, education, and infrastructure investments could serve not only the displaced but also the host communities, helping reduce tensions and fostering a more cohesive support system.
Environmental challenges, from desertification to water scarcity, are a driving force behind the displacement crisis in the Sahel. NEMA could take the lead in building environmental resilience by promoting sustainable practices like reforestation, water conservation, and renewable energy initiatives.
By collaborating with international donors, NEMA could support projects that address the environmental factors fueling this crisis. Such efforts would not only provide immediate relief but could also lay the groundwork for long-term agricultural stability and food security in Nigeria’s northern regions.
Effective security frameworks are essential for a stable Sahel. By partnering with ECOWAS and Lake Chad Basin authorities, NEMA could advocate for intelligence sharing and joint operations that protect Nigeria’s national interests while fostering regional stability. Economic empowerment should also be central to NEMA’s efforts.
Investing in skill development and market access could help IDPs and host communities alike, promoting economic resilience. NEMA’s reach on the ground can ensure that aid and opportunities are directed where they are needed most.
The recent Donor Conference is a powerful reminder of NEMA’s significance, not just as a responder in emergencies but as a critical force advocating for Nigeria’s long-term stability in the Sahel crisis. For Nigeria, this is not only a matter of regional responsibility but a chance to establish itself as a stabilising power in West Africa.
Through a strategy that integrates security, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability, NEMA can help turn Nigeria’s challenges into a model of resilience for the region. The world has provided the resources; now, it is NEMA’s vision and dedication that will shape whether these resources bring real, lasting change.
