The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that Nigeria has lost an estimated $10 billion as a result of the decade-long conflict ravaging the North-East region.
UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, made this shocking revelation on Wednesday during the official launch of a socio-economic reintegration programme for children affected by armed conflict in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to Saeed, the prolonged insurgency has not only caused devastating human and infrastructural losses but has also crippled economic activities, displaced millions, and destroyed education and healthcare systems in the region.
She noted that the new reintegration programme aims to restore hope and rebuild the lives of children and families torn apart by the conflict, adding that UNICEF remains committed to working with the Nigerian government and development partners to rehabilitate affected communities.
> “The impact of the conflict goes beyond displacement and trauma — it has led to a significant economic loss estimated at $10 billion over the years. These losses reflect destroyed livelihoods, disrupted trade, and the collapse of local economies,” she stated.
Saeed emphasized that true recovery in the region would depend on sustained peace, investment in education, and comprehensive support for children who were either victims or participants in the conflict due to forced recruitment by armed groups.
The North-East conflict, driven largely by insurgent activities since 2009, has left thousands dead, millions displaced, and several towns in ruins — marking one of Africa’s worst humanitarian crises.
Source: Punch News
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comment box below!
Do you think the government is doing enough to restore normalcy and rebuild the North-East?
