Rebuilding the North-East: Ten Years On
It is often said that when knowledge is deployed to solve a problem without personal interest taking precedence, the problem is halfway solved. But when personal interests override the common good, they can undermine even the most potent solutions while denying society the opportunity to learn from experience. That learning process is particularly important in […]
The North-East region of Nigeria has endured more than a decade of insurgency, resulting in significant humanitarian, economic and social devastation. Despite this, the rebuilding process has begun, with lessons learned from the experience providing guidance for ongoing efforts. The Boko Haram insurgency and its affiliated factions have disrupted security, destroyed communities, weakened local economies and displaced millions of people.
The humanitarian consequences have been immense, with an estimated 350,000 deaths and over 2.5 million people displaced. At its peak, approximately 8.4 million people required humanitarian assistance.
In response to the crisis, the Presidential Initiative for the North East (PINE) was established in 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan, providing emergency support and laying the groundwork for long-term development. Following the election of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Presidential Committee on the North-East Initiative (PCNI) was formed, leading to the creation of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC).
This permanent institution is tasked with initiating, coordinating and implementing programs aimed at rebuilding and developing the region. The NEDC's interventions span infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing, roads, livelihoods and humanitarian support, with relief materials distributed to internally displaced persons and vulnerable communities, as well as support for agricultural activities.
Infrastructure projects, such as roads, schools, healthcare facilities and water projects, are crucial for reconnecting communities and supporting economic activity. Beyond physical reconstruction, social recovery is equally important, with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and community groups contributing to peacebuilding, reconciliation and youth empowerment.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been a key player in providing humanitarian assistance and coordinating disaster response in affected communities. The Nigerian military has also played a central role in the security component of the recovery process, conducting counter-insurgency operations, reclaiming territories and disrupting insurgent strongholds.
Foreign partners, including Germany, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Nations and the World Bank, have also contributed to humanitarian, recovery and development programs in the region.
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