The abrupt withdrawal of international funding, particularly the stop-work orders issued by the United States, is severely impacting humanitarian operations and local economies in Maiduguri, a critical hub for aid efforts combating Boko Haram’s insurgency.

Once a beacon of economic revival, Maiduguri had witnessed significant growth due to NGO-driven investments, creating thousands of jobs and bolstering the service sector. However, the sudden pullback of funding from USAID has triggered a wave of layoffs, declining business revenues, a collapsing real estate market, and diminishing state tax income.

The Looming Threat of Instability

Although there are hopes to restore pre-insurgency economic activities, experts warn that continued territorial gains by ISWAP and Boko Haram could drag northeast Nigeria back into the extreme insecurity that plagued the region a decade ago. Rural displacement, food shortages, and economic collapse loom as immediate risks.

Humanitarian Consequences

With critical aid programs disrupted, vulnerable populations, particularly displaced persons and conflict-affected communities, are facing severe food insecurity and reduced access to essential services. The cuts threaten to reverse hard-fought progress in stabilizing the region, raising concerns over the long-term consequences of diminished international support.

As tensions mount, humanitarian organizations and local leaders are urging the global community to intervene and prevent Nigeria’s northeast from sliding further into crisis.

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