Nigeria records over 3.7m internally displaced persons – IOM

By Elvis Omoregie, Benin 

Nigeria currently has over 3.7 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) forced from their homes due to conflict, climate shocks, environmental challenges and the search for better economic opportunities, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Dimanche Sharon, Chief of Mission of IOM in Nigeria, disclosed this in Benin City at the Edo State Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Summit themed “Strengthening Systems, Transforming Lives.”

Sharon said the figure represents more than statistics, describing the displaced population as families struggling to rebuild their lives with dignity and determination.

According to her, the IOM is working closely with the Nigerian government to respond to the growing displacement crisis while also supporting long-term development initiatives aimed at reducing vulnerability.

“With the leadership of government, particularly the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, we are working to respond to displacement challenges while also shifting attention towards development-driven solutions,” she said.

The organisation explained that its interventions in Nigeria are currently focused on three strategic priorities, beginning with saving lives and protecting vulnerable populations affected by crises.

This includes the provision of immediate humanitarian assistance, protection services and life-saving support while also creating pathways that enable displaced persons to recover and rebuild their lives.

The second priority, according to IOM, focuses on promoting durable solutions to displacement by helping affected communities regain stability through safe return, local integration, livelihood opportunities and the development of resilient communities.

"Nigeria must move beyond managing displacement towards more durable solutions,” Sharon said, stressing the need for coordinated efforts among government institutions, development partners and humanitarian organisations.

She noted that Edo State plays a significant role in Nigeria’s migration landscape, making collaboration with the state government critical to the organisation’s migration management strategy.

Since 2017, IOM said it has partnered with the Edo State Government on migration management and reintegration programmes, supporting the voluntary return of more than 9,000 Nigerian migrants, many of whom have received reintegration assistance to rebuild their lives.

Also speaking, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, commended the Edo State Government for convening the event and for taking practical steps to address the needs of vulnerable populations, including the establishment of a digitised state social register by the Edo State Operations Coordinating Unit to strengthen social protection and ensure that support reaches those who truly need it.

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