Flooding may increase anti-government anger in Nigeria

Significance

The flooding has affected up to 2 million people in a city that has suffered deeply over the past 15 years from jihadist insurgencies. President Bola Tinubu, other high-ranking officials and the military have appeared to react with uncharacteristic speed to the disaster.

Impacts

• The flooding could decrease military pressure on jihadists in the countryside as the authorities turn to managing the flood’s aftermath.
• Major protests in Maiduguri or elsewhere are possible if authorities fail to sustain a convincing and effective response.
• Flooding across the country may drive down food production.