Nigeria: A nation struggling with economic and security crises

In recent months, Nigeria has faced a critical intersection of economic turmoil and escalating violence. On August 1, 2024, Nigerians took to the streets in mass protests against a crippling cost-of-living crisis, driven by a record 28-year high inflation rate. Demonstrations, fueled by anger over corruption and poor governance, were met with force from security personnel, leading to clashes.

The protests, characterised by looting and vandalism, saw the government deploy police and riot experts to restore order. Religious leaders and community figures joined efforts to calm the situation, while some states experienced counter-protests under claims of being misled. President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation two days later, acknowledging the public’s grievances and calling for dialogue, yet his speech was criticized for lacking actionable substance.

Read also: Nigeria: A nation struggling with economic and security crises

Government response to protests vs. security challenges

The Nigerian government’s response to the protests involved deploying police and riot control units to restore order, while community leaders, religious leaders, etc tried to mediate.

In a televised address, President Tinubu assured the public, “My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens.” However, critics argue that Tinubu’s speech lacked substance and failed to address the root causes of the unrest effectively.

While the government’s response to the protests was swift, the underlying issues of economic hardship and governance persist. This raises questions about the government’s focus on addressing insecurity. Reports suggest that if the same urgency had been applied to tackling insecurity, Nigeria could have seen significant improvements. For instance, Forbes highlights how terrorism and banditry have exacerbated food insecurity, affecting Nigeria’s agricultural sector and causing a sharp rise in food prices.

The toll of insecurity on Nigeria

According to the Forbes Report, Borno State, once a major wheat producer, insurgent activities have halted the cultivation of over 400 hectares of wheat. This disruption has led to a rise in wheat imports from $2.4 million in early 2020 to $6.2 million in 2021 and increased food prices.

The violence has not only disrupted farming but has also significantly impacted food security. In 2024 alone, over 332 farmers have been killed by bandits and extremist groups, contributing to a food inflation rate of 44.66 per cent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Read also: ‘The Patriots’, new constitution, escalating insecurity and the Buhari audacity

For instance, Boko Haram’s attack on January 29, 2024, claimed the lives of 13 farmers in Borno State. Bandits also attacked Maganda Junction in Niger State in February, resulting in six deaths and the abduction of 20 women. In May, violence continued with over 50 farmers killed in Plateau State and 30 in Zamfara State. This rising trend in violence has exacerbated food insecurity across the nation.

Insecurity and violence have taken a devastating toll on Nigeria’s population, particularly in the first half of 2024. Data gleaned from an ICIR report revealed that in Q1 2024 alone, violence resulted in the deaths of 2,336 individuals, averaging 26 deaths per day. Northern states bore the brunt of this violence, with Zamfara and Borno recording the highest casualties. The violence included attacks by bandits, extremist groups, and clashes between rival factions, significantly impacting communities and contributing to a rising death toll.

The situation worsened in Q2 2024, with the total number of reported deaths reaching 2,971, according to SBM Intelligence. Borno, Katsina, and Zamfara were the most affected states, with fatalities numbering 623, 617, and 403 respectively. Kaduna and Niger also faced significant losses, with 298 and 153 deaths recorded. The violence spanned across 24 states, with notable impacts in Plateau, Sokoto, and the South East. This widespread violence highlights the severe and persistent security challenges facing Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for effective measures to address the crisis.

Farmers’ struggle against banditry

Farmers in northern Nigeria are facing extortion from bandits, who impose levies to allow access to their lands. In Benue State, residents have reportedly paid N20 million collectively to bandits, with each household contributing N50,000 to meet their demands.

Similarly, in Zamfara, bandits charge between N100,000 and N300,000 for farming access, threatening violence for non-compliance. This extortion has worsened the food crisis, forcing farmers into difficult choices between paying ransoms or risking their safety. The scale of this issue is alarming.

According to SBM Intelligence, bandits extorted N139.5 million from farmers in the North-West from 2020 to 2023. This extortion has significantly impacted food prices and contributed to the 29.90 per cent inflation rate and 35.41 per cent food inflation reported by the National Bureau of Statistics. The widespread banditry has not only disrupted livelihoods but also exacerbated food insecurity across the region.

Persistent security challenges

The Nigerian government’s response to insecurity includes military operations and a N50 billion fund aimed at combating insurgency. Despite these efforts, violence persists, with 2,336 people killed in the first quarter of 2024 alone, averaging 26 deaths per day. The northern regions, particularly Zamfara and Borno, have been most affected, highlighting a stark disparity in the severity of violence between northern and southern Nigeria.

Despite a significant increase in the defense budget—from N443.1 billion in 2016 to an expected N3.25 trillion in 2024—analysts argue that security challenges remain severe.

Read also: REA, CESEL launch solar irrigation to boost food security, save N413bn

The ongoing insecurity in Nigeria, compounded by the government’s slow and often inadequate response, has left the nation grappling with both a humanitarian crisis and economic instability. While the swift action to quell recent protests demonstrated the state’s capability to mobilize resources when pressured, the same level of commitment has been lacking in addressing the root causes of violence and terrorism.

Until the government prioritises comprehensive and effective strategies to combat insecurity, the cycle of violence, economic hardship, and public discontent is likely to continue, further eroding trust in leadership and jeopardizing Nigeria’s future stability. The need for decisive action has never been more critical, as the nation’s resilience and prosperity hang in the balance.