Student Magazine For Next Generation

Current Affairs About Nigeria

17

Nigeria is one of the key African countries, serving as an indicator for its continent. Yet it faces numerous challenges, including terrorism, corruption, and insurgency. Check out the Best info about naijauncut.

Therefore, it is not a conventional nation-state.

1. Biafra Movement

Biafra Movement has gained momentum across Nigeria’s southeast region, as people feel marginalized and economically neglected due to President Buhari’s administration.

The movement has since grown and spread to various areas of Nigeria and elsewhere but remains predominantly youth-led. Although not as entrenched in Biafra’s short-lived Republic as nationalist movements that emerged in late 1960s Nigeria, it resonates strongly among Igbos living in both diasporas and within Nigeria.

The Biafra War was a three-year bloody conflict that claimed over one million lives and left southeastern Nigeria devastated, with support from Western nations such as America, Britain, and others. Its death toll is still being felt today.

2. Covid-19

Covid-19 is a newly emerging virus that threatens humans. Due to this pandemic, authorities in Nigeria have implemented lockdowns in many cities and restricted movements within the nation to contain further spread.

The pandemic’s impact on current affairs in Nigeria has been devastating, compounding poverty, social and economic inequity, regional insecurity, and negatively affecting national economies.

With low oil prices, trade restrictions, a weakening economy, and depreciating currencies all contributing factors, inflation has skyrocketed and impoverished millions more.

3. Food Inflation

Nigeria’s food prices continue to increase despite government interventions, mainly due to ineffective and inadequate policies that lack substance.

Bread, oil, potatoes, yam and other tubers, fish, vegetables, fruits, meat, and other goods have skyrocketed in recent months, placing immense financial strain on millions of poor households while imperiling our national economy.

One way of combatting rising food costs is via bulk-buying WhatsApp groups, where members share their food needs and negotiate directly with producers or suppliers to purchase large amounts in bulk – saving as much as 22% off market prices in comparison.

4. Chaining of People with Mental Health Conditions and Psychosocial Disabilities

Human Rights Watch released today reports detailing how thousands of Nigerians with mental health conditions are locked up and mistreated at detention facilities, rehabilitation centers, and religious and traditional healing centers, which often abuse and treat them inhumanely.

Human Rights Watch found that chains enslaving those with mental health conditions and discrimination related to these conditions are widespread. In addition, Human Rights Watch claims these people often visit faith-based or traditional healers, where they are mistreated and forced to use drugs.

The government should immediately ban shackling of people suffering from mental health conditions, reduce the stigma surrounding it and ensure access to quality, affordable community-based mental health services for all. Furthermore, voluntary benefits should be promoted while integrated into primary healthcare systems for optimal treatment outcomes.

5. Security Forces

Nigeria’s security forces are responsible for safeguarding their country against crime and terrorism, including the National Police Force (NPF) and military services.

The government has taken measures to address abuses committed by security forces, such as through disciplinary boards, judicial panels of inquiry, and internal complaint mechanisms. But unfortunately, they continue to be accused of human rights violations, including torture and unlawful detention of people.

Children and women are particularly at risk from armed groups attacking civilians, schools, transport hubs, religious areas, large gatherings, and significant events. Furthermore, such groups engage in sexual and gender-based violence.

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