Elizabeth Felix, a 43-year-old fish trader, stood amidst the vibrant hub of Maiduguri’s main market, observing the traders setting up their stalls and customers engaged in bargaining. The market was bustling with the bright colors of goods and an array of alluring aromas, a stark contrast to its state just six months prior when floods had wreaked havoc. The torrential downpours across Central and West Africa led to massive flooding, a devastating manifestation of climate change that severely impacted the region, marking one of the most severe instances in decades.
Felix’s shop was completely submerged, causing a loss of goods worth 2 million naira ($1,332). “I lost everything,” she recalled, describing it as the worst moment of her life. Maiduguri, nestled in the troubled Borno State of northern Nigeria—a region beleaguered by an Islamic insurgency since 2009—was particularly affected. Dozens were killed, hundreds of thousands were displaced, and infrastructure including markets and roads were destroyed, while the local zoo lost nearly 80% of its animals. The flood, aggravated by continuous rainfall and a dam collapse, inundated approximately 15% of the city, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis amid ongoing conflicts.
Despite these daunting challenges, Maiduguri has remarkably bounced back from the cataclysm. Key roads, including the notorious Fori Road—once submerged and widely reported in the media—have undergone rehabilitation. Residents attribute the recovery to generous financial support coupled with the community’s enduring resilience, fortified by years of political instability and security issues. Adam Bababe, the Executive Secretary of the Borno Geographic Information Service, stated that over 18 billion naira ($12 million) was allocated to more than 100,000 affected households. Additional support of 4.3 billion naira ($2.8 million) from UN agencies and other partners facilitated relief efforts, complemented by the state government’s 20 billion naira ($13.2 million) investment in infrastructure restoration and food supply.
The government had a delayed reaction, with official camps for displaced families established days later. In the interim, the youth mobilized to aid, donating clothes and essential items to those affected. Ijasini Ijani, a local resident, recalled how shop owners in less impacted areas provided temporary shelter until government camps were functional three days later. Media professional Lawan Maigana utilized his social media influence, amassing significant funds primarily used for food supplies to the most vulnerable, including women, children, and the elderly.
Maigana’s team also prepared and delivered meals to those stranded in heavily devastated areas, with help from military-provided canoes. Felix, bolstered by her community and family, managed to re-establish her fish trading business, stating, “My business is back, and in fact, it’s even better than last year.”
The city’s resilience shines as a testament to its people’s solidarity, with individuals supporting each other through thick and thin. Maiduguri’s recovery signifies more than just the reopening of markets or infrastructure repairs, as noted by Ijani.
In addition to community and trade recovery, the local Sanda Kyarimi Park has fully revived, according to its manager, Ali Abacha Don Best. Despite the devastation, including the loss and escape of various animals, the zoo has been fully restored. For 19-year-old Alai Bakura, the zoo’s reopening represents the return of cherished childhood memories of festive celebrations.
In a long-term recovery plan, the reconstruction of the damaged dam commenced recently, an effort set to complete by 2027 at a projected cost of 80 billion naira ($53 million). It aims to enhance irrigation and water supply, with its first phase focused on immediate flood prevention measures. According to Water Resources Minister Joseph Utsev, these efforts look to secure the future against similar calamities. Felix remains hopeful, expressing, “With the Lord’s help, we keep moving forward.”
