Self-sufficiency undermined by NGOs in Borno

SIR: Since the outbreak of the Boko Haram crisis, people from local governments and villages have been forced to leave their homes and businesses, mostly becoming IDP residents with no alternative. The devastating scenario of the Boko Haram insurgency is heartbreaking, but ironically, the aid provided by NGOs has created another crisis in the state.

The emergence of Boko Haram has caused widespread panic among Borno’s residents, victimising many. Despite government efforts, the sheer scale of the crisis overwhelmed authorities. Fortunately, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) like UNICEF, Save the Children, and others intervened, providing vital assistance and temporary relief to numerous victims. However, even after peace was restored, many residents face significant challenges in rebuilding their lives and returning to their homes and businesses.
 
NGO aid has yielded mixed results. While providing vital support to victims, it inadvertently encouraged dependency among the victims and some individuals who falsely claimed victimhood. This dependency has fostered laziness, making them reliant on NGOs. Consequently, the state’s economy suffers due to their unpatriotic behavior. Sustainable solutions emphasizing self-sufficiency are crucial. While some people have turned NGO aid into a business, selling the very items they received.
   
To address aid dependency, solutions include training locals in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and vocational trades, implementing cash-for-work programs, prioritizing local procurement, and establishing a gradual aid phase-out plan. Finally, establish a research committee to monitor the effectiveness of training programs and their application. This committee can provide grants as rewards to successful trainees, encouraging others to follow suit.
• Fadeela Mustapha Lawaan wrote from Department of Mass Communication, Borno State University