Nigeria as a whole is crying for help. The most populated country in Africa over a span of three months has suffered from devastating floods, mass killings, and economic struggles – yet no one is talking about it. 

With all of these serious tragedies occurring with little response from the rest of the world, it is clear that Nigeria as a country is severely undervalued.

Due to neglecting to build a dam at Cameroon’s request and above-average rainfall, parts of Nigeria are essentially “under water.” According to www.ndtv.com, “about 500 people have died in Nigeria’s worst floods in a decade and 1.4 million others have been displaced from their homes since the start of the rainy season.” This is one of many disastrous things to happen to Nigeria as of late – yet few in this country are aware. 

A similar situation, Hurricane Ian, happened in Florida, and news of it broke the internet. It seems immoral to care about a country that happens to be developed, rather than a developing country struggling in all aspects. This in no way devalues the desolation caused by Hurricane Ian. But it is a double standard to care for particular countries in need rather than all countries. 

Additionally, in August, a few months prior to this major flood, there was another flood in northern Nigeria killing 50 people.

As a developing country, Nigeria is not in a position to take on these issues by themselves. 

According to CNN, “Water resources minister Suleiman Adamu  told local media two years ago there were no quick solutions to the state’s flooding problem, and not even funding could curb it. Though there may seem like nothing other countries can do, there is. Developed countries can help with research and development on this issue or the economy or political life in general. 

As a Nigerian myself with extended family in Nigeria, it is very unsettling to know that while I am comfortable in a rather safe country, my relatives are struggling. 

In the media, there is no voice or advocacy for the Nigerians at this time. Why is it that the forthcoming humanitarian effort is only present in the Western world? 

There should be a global effort to aid any country in need. 

According to thewhister.ng, more than 70 percent of Nigerian citizens do not trust their police forces. “The survey also revealed an increase in the number of Nigerians who feel unsafe in their homes, as six out of 10 Nigerians rate the handling of abductions by the police as `fairly bad’ or ‘very bad.’ ”

This statistic should not be overlooked just because it took place in a developing or impoverished country. Richer countries have the power and income to advocate for countries that are suffering through trials and tribulations.