Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 15th June. UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria Mohamed Malick Fall on Friday said that Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country despite its huge potential, continues to grapple with a host of challenges which are impacting people’s lives and triggering conflict over key resources.
Mohamed Malick Fall highlighted the worrying impact of climate change.
He said that the country is witnessing climate-related shocks which are triggering displacement and driving conflict singling out clashes over dwindling resources between farmers and herdsmen.
Mohamed Malick Fall said that this conflict is exacerbated by the climate crisis, which is forcing herding communities to leave their traditional lands in search of better grazing options.
Mr. Fall reported that the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast has been controlled to some extent, with the situation there showing signs of improvement.
UN International Organization for Migration in a recent survey carried out by the looking at the aspirations of people displaced by conflict in the region.
Over 37% taking part expressed a desire to return to their places of origin. Areas once worst affected by Boko Haram, such as Borno state, showed an even higher percentage willing to go back – two in three (67 per cent).
Some 38 per cent expressed the intention to stay in their current locations and integrate with local communities.
IOM survey noted the primary factors influencing both groups include the reconstruction of homes destroyed in places of origin and the favorable security situation in areas where they have been displaced to.
Mr. Fall further informed journalists of the Government’s efforts to institute economic reforms, such as through its “Renewed Hope” agenda which was launched last year.
Economists predict that inflation a concern at present could turn the corner and start falling by the end of the year.
“But in the meantime, we are seeing prices getting higher. Mainly food prices, which is impacting negatively on the possibility of people to access a decent life,” Mr. Fall said.
He said the UN was aligning its operations with the Government’s priorities, taking a two-track approach.
One is the humanitarian response, helping save and improve lives of regular Nigerians, and reducing vulnerabilities.
He added that he is supporting efforts to spur development in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals .
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