The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon, on Wednesday called on the Nigerian Private Sector to be actively involved in alleviating the sufferings of Nigerians in the North-East.

Kallon, who made the appeal in Lagos at a Dinner with representatives of the Nigerian private sector, said that the current situation in the  North-East urgently needed their intervention.

“We want you as members of the Nigerian Private sector to know that the crisis in the North-East of Nigeria, which started in 2000, is by the day having increasing negative impacts on Nigerians in that region

“Over 20,000 people have so far been killed by Boko Haram, about 8.5 million urgently need humanitarian assistance.

“The Nigerian government, the international community and some organisations have been trying to alleviate the sufferings in the North-East, but the challenges are increasing by the day.

“We are, therefore, calling on the private sector to join in the saving of lives in the North-East,’’ he said.

The UN Chief said that it was imperative for the private sector to know the activities of Boko Haram in the region had really affected their investment in those states.

He said that their intervention and contribution to the rehabilitation of the displaced persons, would open up new vista of business opportunities for them in the region.