SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN CRISES RAVAGED AREAS: A STUDY ON THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT BY NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS IN MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA

Abstract

The insurgent group known as Boko Haram have carried out targeted assassinations, shootings and bombings, which led to deaths, destructions and displacements of Millions in north-eastern Nigeria. These crippled the region’s economic, cultural and social status, which attracted various forms of humanitarian supports from philanthropists, governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). It is against this backdrop that this paper examines the adverse effects of humanitarian supports by NGOs on socioeconomic development in Maiduguri, Nigeria. The study adopted qualitative approach using FGD in generating data from beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of humanitarian support in selected communities of Maiduguri. The study revealed government reluctances and over-reliance of people on the support provided by the NGOs. The standard of living has ascended because of the operations of NGOs. Supports provided by NGOs have further distorted the community’s social cohesion as it created various forms of domestic violence and conflict between displaced persons and host communities. In addition, it has increased social vice such as sexual exploitation and abuse in an effort to get provisions/employment. There are further continuous accusations that NGOs are supporting Boko Haram group with food and logistics. The study concluded that the operations of NGOs would contribute in prolonging the physical and social insecurity in crises ravaged areas if not adequately regulated/monitored. Thus, recommended that NGOs do more capacity building programmes than emergency relief supports. Governments should regulate the operations of NGOs by introducing strict policies that will force them to be transparent and accountable, and operate in line with counter-insurgency strategies.