The Effect of Insurgency on Borno State Economy (2008 – Oct. 2014)

Abstract

Borno State is the only State in Nigeria that is bordered by three countries. These include Cameroon, Niger and Tchad Republic. There exist a healthy trade relationship between the State and her international neighbors. Hundreds of thousands tonnes of grains, livestock and other consumables flow between Borno and her bordering trading partners. Despite this advantage, the State depends on monthly allocation from the centre to keep it running. The scenario is further compounded by insurgency. This Study analyzed the effect of insurgency on the trade relationship between Borno State and her immediate neighbors. The study utilized both primary and secondary data. The primary data were generated through the administration well structured questionnaire and oral interview. conducted on 300 respondents from each of each of the State Local Government Areas (LGAs). The respondents were purposively selected. Interview was also conducted on traders in the two major grain markets in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area. Secondary data was obtained from various write ups with similar inclination. Simple descriptive method was used in the analysis of data. Study revealed that so far, the insurgency has claimed 28,209 lives. The number of people either abducted or missing stood at 2,751. It also revealed that prior to the insurgency, annual grain flow between Borno and her trade partners was 294,940 tonnes however, the flow of grain decreased to 94,500 tonnes by second quarter of 2014. The magnitude of the decrease in the flow of grain as well as number of death recorded showed that religious insurgency affected all spectrum of the Borno State economy. Specifically all international trade routes were no more accessible. Agricultural activities grounded as farmlands, rivers and fish ponds were abandoned. The study also revealed that the major cause of the insurgency aside of corruption and arrogant display of affluence by the elitist class was unrealized political will. Study recommended that genuine development and appropriate integrative program should form basis for governance.

Keywords: Insurgency, Boko haram, Grain market, Trade, Economy, Borno State