The continuous increase of internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Nigeria remains one of the country’s most pressing humanitarian crises.
According to reports by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), over 3.3 million Nigerians—including women, children, and the elderly—are grappling with the fallout of displacement caused by recurring conflicts, communal clashes, and natural disasters. These are not just numbers but lives disrupted by loss, insecurity, and despair.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), tasked with managing disaster-related crises, has shown commendable commitment to alleviating the plight of IDPs. Yet, the sheer magnitude of the crisis demands innovative and sustainable solutions.
Conflict, environmental degradation, and natural disasters continue to drive displacement across the nation. Recent data released by NEMA on September 18, 2024, revealed that over 641,798 individuals were uprooted by natural disasters alone, while conflicts in the northwest and northeast push thousands out of their homes.
For instance, states like Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe face compounded challenges of persistent insecurity and limited resources, making resettlement and support for IDPs particularly daunting.
Meanwhile, it is fortunate that NEMA, in collaboration with state governments, has made significant strides in responding to immediate needs. In Borno state, for example, the agency partnered with the state government to distribute relief materials to IDPs resettled from the Muna Garage Camp in Maiduguri. This initiative benefited over 11,000 households, providing essential items like rice, beans, and maize, alongside cash support of ₦100,000 for household heads.
Also, in Benue state, relief materials were distributed to IDPs in the Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency. However, incidents such as the alleged diversion of palliatives in Makurdi underscore the need for greater accountability and transparency. Security and anti-corruption agencies have since stepped in to ensure fair distribution, highlighting the importance of robust oversight mechanisms.
Similarly, the federal government’s monthly emergency food intervention for IDPs in the North-east, supporting over 1.4 million individuals since 2017, exemplifies sustained efforts. However, such initiatives often address symptoms rather than root causes, leaving structural issues unaddressed.
While resettlement programs, such as Governor Babagana Zulum’s closure of unofficial camps in Maiduguri, are promising, they require complementary measures like vocational training and investments in local economies to enable displaced populations to rebuild sustainably.
With disasters destroying over 99,046 houses and washing away 127,544 hectares of farmlands, disaster preparedness must be prioritized. Strengthening early warning systems and enhancing collaboration with meteorological agencies can mitigate the impact of future disasters. Community-based disaster risk reduction programs, including training first responders and providing emergency kits, are essential.
Equally important is addressing the psychological toll of displacement. Integrating psychosocial support into relief efforts, including community counseling and peer support programs, can help IDPs rebuild their lives emotionally and socially.
Combating displacement requires addressing its underlying triggers. Conflict resolution, particularly in land disputes and farmer-herder clashes, coupled with investments in climate-resilient agriculture, is vital. Such measures, alongside NEMA’s humanitarian interventions, could significantly reduce displacement triggers.
The burden of aiding displaced Nigerians cannot fall solely on NEMA. Collaboration among state governments, NGOs, international agencies, and private stakeholders is crucial to fostering long-term recovery and resilience. Engaging displaced communities in decision-making processes will ensure interventions are inclusive and context-specific.
For millions of displaced Nigerians, NEMA remains a beacon of hope. However, achieving a future where displacement no longer defines the Nigerian experience demands collective responsibility and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders.
Together, we can restore dignity, stability, and opportunity to those most affected by this crisis.
Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu – an NYSC serving corps member, writes from the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) in Abuja.
